Today’s Scrip-Bit   10 March 2022 John 14:15.

10 Mar 2022 Leave a comment

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

John 14:15.      If ye LOVE me keep my commandments.

Oh my people, we’ve been blessed with one more day on God’s glorious earth…with sunshine to boot! What an honour! You can search all the obits and you won’t find our names there, (smile) that’s because the Lord still has work down here on earth for us to do. So let’s get to it nuh, with both diligence and excellence, two hallmarks of Christ’s ministry. 

Yes, friends, these troubled times are desperately crying out for the hand of Jesus, His awesome revitalizing touch, to bring some semblance of calm and peace to them. He is the ONLY ONE who can do that miraculous job! Remember when He simply said to the raging storm on the Sea of Galilee ‘Peace be still,’ (Mark 4:39) and both the wind and the sea obeyed? 

Well, right now He’s asking us to get real serious about the Great Commission He gave us two thousand years ago, that’s spreading His gospel, the good news, the wonderful offer of salvation and eternal life that He sacrificed His sinless self on the cross of Calvary for us to have. 

And that’s because His Word is the only thing that will reverse the tremendous slide that’s recently taken place towards the side of evil and ungodliness, where anger, hate, strife and greed rule the roost, and so many people get annoyed and angry when you call the name of Jesus. Living wrong seems to be the big thrill these days. But as the song asks: ‘What’s wrong with living right eh?’ What’s wrong with living for Jesus? 

To my mind, nothing at all! In fact, it’s the ONLY wise and truthful way to live! And that’s how He is asking us to live in these scary and uncertain times…for Him. As He simply said when He was here on earth: ‘If ye LOVE me keep my commandments.’ (John 14:15) Yes my brethren, they are a few simple words, but they carry a rather profound meaning. We can’t truly LOVE Him unless we keep His commandments, do what He asks of us. 

Now, we obviously have not done what He asks of us, at least not the extent we need to, otherwise our world would not be in the sad and sorrowful state it’s currently in. Satan would not have the terrible vise-like, death-grip on our world that he now has. Not enough people have heard of Christ and His good news gospel, neither have we been good enough examples of Christ-like living. 

Sadly, many have been turned off of Jesus because of the hypocritical way we supposed Christians live. We talk one way, but in actual fact live another, like the Pharisees of old, who Jesus called ‘whitewashed sepulchres’ or tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but are thoroughly unclean within. (Matt. 23:27) 

And unfortunately, until the bulk of us believers truly begin living for Jesus, both on the outside and the inside, our words of salvation and eternal life won’t make much difference to the unbelievers, and Satan will retain his vise-like grip on the neck of our world, continually dragging us down to hell with him. 

Oh, I know I’m not painting a pretty picture, but that’s just how it is. It’s the reality of the situation. With all the amazing resources we currently have to spread God’s Word, we ought to be doing better than we are. The problem is that we don’t take Jesus’ words as seriously as we should. Words like ‘seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things (you need) shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) 

And we forget Jesus’ prayer request to the Father on our behalf. ‘I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that that thou shouldest keep them from the evil (one). They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.’ (John 17:14-16) 

However, despite Christ’s intervention on our behalf too many of us still seek the things of the world, it’s wealth, power, social standing and other stuff that does not help us in our walk with Christ. And since God has given us free will to do as we please, if we choose to live a life filled with the things of the world, He won’t stop us. 

Sadly, not enough of us are standing up strong for Jesus. Can you imagine the impact that we would have as Christians, if all of us stood up strong and fought tenaciously for Christ? We’d run over the unbeliever, bring them to the realization that Christ is truly the name above every other name, the ONE to whom they must bow and acknowledge as Lord and Saviour! 

But we must wake up, realize that things are in a truly terrible state, then get serious, let the Holy Spirit of Christ fill us up with His unmatched power, put on His spiritual armour and get out there and fight to the death for Him! That’s the only way we will lessen Satan’s power upon this fallen earth. 

And the Lord in His wisdom has given us all the words and tools we need to do His will, amongst them are what we call our Thursday Blessings, so we can’t complain that He’s left us clueless and toolless. (smile) However, we have to invoke them, or declare (steups!!!) them out loud for them to take effect. So, let’s do that right now nuh, in strong and confident voice. 

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

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

And having made those blessed pronouncements, it’s now our bounden duty to go out and help others, share those blessings with them just as generously as the Lord shared them with us, so they will want to come to Him and accept His easy yoke and light burden!  Much LOVE?

…our duty is simple…fulfill the Great Commission…and though it’s not easy…God’s given us all we need to do it… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   17 February 2022 John 14:6.

17 Feb 2022 Leave a comment

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

John 14:6.     Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Oh friends, I can’t handle this fast pace of life nuh, for already it’s Thursday. (smile) And to make matters worse, in the next few days, we are supposed to be getting an abundance of bad weather, ranging from rain to snow and all the other stuff in between. We’ve had the rain overnight, with the current temps around 6 degrees Celsius, but they are calling for freezing rain later in the afternoon. That means the temperature drops, heralding an icy situation. 

Whatever happened to the days when winter was winter eh…and not a combination of all the other seasons? (smile) And yet they claim that climate change is not real. Well, it certainly is! I’ve seen it with my own two eyes since I’ve been in this country. The weather patterns have become less reliable and more unpredictable. But what does the ole fella know eh? He’s just a small fish in a big pond, trying not to get eaten up by the big fish. (smile) 

Oh, I just thought of one thing I know for sure, that Jesus is real! He’s alive and well and walking with me and those who believe in Him every step of the way! Wow! What an honour to have the Creator and Saviour of the universe walking hand in hand with us along our earthly journey, then standing ready to welcome us home to be with Him all through eternity! It’s almost too much to comprehend my fellow believers! But He never said we had to understand, just believe! 

As He so faithfully proclaimed in these scriptures that we all know by heart, but don’t always take to heart. ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ (John 3:16-17) Now there’s our reason for living right there in those few words! It’s all about Jesus, the Saviour of the world! 

But ignorant men continually refuse to believe His truthful words. And this next verse is for them: ‘He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.’ (John 3:18) Now friends, that verse ought to give all of us pause, cause us to stop right in our tracks and consider if we truly believe, because if we don’t, crapaud smoke we pipe, we are already condemned to hell fire and eternal damnation. 

Yes my brethren, we end up in Hades with the wicked and evil Lucifer simply because we do not believe in Jesus, the One who came to earth specifically to save us from the frightening clutches of the evil imposter. And check out this other verse where He reinforces those statements nuh. ‘He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth (remains) on him.’ (John 3:36) 

Now why would anyone in their right minds want to experience the wrath of God eh, when the only thing more powerful and less menacing than that is His awesome LOVE! I certainly don’t, especially after reading about some of the instances in His Word. But for some unfathomable reason, many of us seem to take the Lord and His Word for a joke, for something that’s not real, a mere figment of our imagination, a way of life to keep us in bondage to religion. 

But the awesome truth is that Jesus came to set us free from the bondage of sin, from the evil clutches of his satanic majesty. That’s the one who has us in bondage, not Jesus who came to set us free. As He said to a group who claimed to believe in Him. ‘If ye continue (abide) in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’ (John 8:31-32) Oh my people, only the truth can ever set us free from anything at all! Lies will keep us forever in bondage. 

And where do we find the truth? In Jesus. Please note His response to Thomas’ query: ‘Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:5-6) And therein lies the solution to ALL our problems my fellow saints. Jesus is the living example for all of us to follow, as the Good Book says, ‘the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith…’ (Heb. 12:2a) So where He leads, we ought to follow. 

And He’s also the truth, the genuine God, the real Mccoy. So, we ought also to believe Him. And per the life, Jesus is the One who enables us to have eternal life, through His atoning death on the cross at Calvary, then His triumphant resurrection on that first Easter morning, two thousand years ago. And John puts it very plainly and simply in his first epistle. ‘And this is the record (testimony), that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life (eternal).’ (1 John 5:11-12) Now that is the everlasting truth! 

And since it’s Thursday, it’s time to go home declaring (steups!!!) our Thursday Blessings, so that they can be truly manifested in our lives. As one strong, believing and faithful 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 friends, we don’t truly deserve any of those blessings, but our God is so wonderful that He gave them to us so we can do His earthly work. So please, let’s go out and share them just as generously with others as He so generously shared them with us nuh! Much LOVE!

…to the Lord God Jehovah be all the glory…through Jesus Christ the Son… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   13 January 2022 Psalm 62:8.

13 Jan 2022 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 62:8.       Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.  Selah.  

Hallelujah my Scrip-Bits family! We are alive and kicking for one more day! The Lord has blessed us with His awesome breath of life so we can do His wonderful will for at least one more day! Now isn’t that just marvellous? It certainly is! For there’s nothing like waking up to a brand new day, be it cloudy and cold, like in my area, or sunny and warm, like in the tropics.

It’s so good to wake up and contemplate life; life with Christ, and wonder what interesting things He has in store for us that day, for with Him, each day brings something unknown that challenges our faith and helps us to grow. And is He ever faithful to those who put their trust in Him. And I’m talking from personal experience here, not hear say. And just one example.

Remember yesterday I had to go into Toronto for a medical check-up. Well I caught the bus, because I don’t drive into Toronto anymore, as it’s too annoying and frustrating. So I got on the top floor of this new double-decker bus, one with seatbelts to boot, (smile) and checked out the dark, gloomy sights from ahigh up. Got into the city in about thirty five, relaxed, non-frustrating minutes. Oh  by the way, every few minutes a gush of warm air would blow over me and keep me nice and toasty. (smile)

But the problem began on exiting the bus at the terminal, for the terminal is crazy, that’s the only word for it. It stretches in all directions and if you don’t know where you are going, the Lord help you. And yuh better believe He definitely helped me yesterday, because when I got into the concourse and began muttering about which direction to take, a kindly, middle aged black gentleman offered his assistance, saying that he was going my way and I could walk with him.

And was it ever a walk…Brother! It seemed like it would never end. And it’s a good thing I had put on my walking shoes. But eventually, after about ten minutes of walking, we reached where I wanted to go. Then to my surprise, after bidding me God speed, this Ghanian gentleman, Paul, said he had to go back inside, because his exit lay in another direction. Now if that wasn’t God’s doing then I don’t know what it was nuh, because he strayed from his direction to guide me to where I wanted to go. God bless you Paul.

And yuh see friends, those are the li’l things in this life, actually miracles, that we often don’t acknowledge, because as far as we are concerned miracles are big events. But not so in our God’s sight. He does hundreds of small ones in our lives everyday, and if we would only look out for them, our lives would improve so much; be much more joyful, faithful and trusting. And to make things even better, I was in and out of the hospital in about fifty minutes, with a clean bill of health, well as clean as it could be under the given circumstances, and thank the Lord I did not have to walk back to the bus terminal, but with a much shorter walk, I was able to take the train home!

So, although the day was grim-looking and grey, and although I did not want to go, and although there were a couple of disconcerting moments, the Lord, as He’s promised, took me safely there and back. Yes friends, He doesn’t promise that there will be no problems, but that He will bring us safely through them all. Please write these most reassuring words of Jesus indelibly in our hearts and minds, so that we can automatically recall them in times of need. ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulations: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33)

Now that’s the gospel truth friends, but it’s not always easy to do in this evil and ungodly world. However, the more often we do it, the better we get at it. And when people appear out of the blue to help you, like happened with me yesterday, it reinforces your trust and faith in Christ. But we have to pay attention to the little, seemingly insignificant things that happen in our lives, for they are all a part of our Christian walk.

That’s why Bruh David could confidently declare in Psalm 62: ‘Truly my soul waiteth (waits silently) upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock , and my salvation; he is my defense (strong tower); I shall not be greatly moved (shaken).’ (Ps. 62:1-2) Yes my people, when we have the Lord God Almighty as our first line of defense, though the enemy comes against us in great numbers and some fear assaults us, we will not be terrified, because we know the awesome strength, power and faithfulness of our wonderful God!

And that’s why Bruh David repeats himself later in the psalm, but with an added warning and wise advice: ‘In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.  Selah.’ (Ps. 62: 6-8) Now those are what you call words of wisdom!

And for those of us who trust in God, and pour out our hearts to Him, while sincerely endeavouring to do His holy will, He showers us with rich and undeserved blessings so that we can further His name and glory. We call them our Thursday Blessings. And since a blessing is not a blessing unless it’s declared out loud, let’s declare our Thursday Blessings out loud, so that they can take a rich and enlightening effect in our lives.

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

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

And in these troubled times, do we ever need to get out and share those wonderful blessings with others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us. Much LOVE!

…the little things in life…are just as important as the big ones…sometimes even more important…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   9 September 2021 John 8:12.

09 Sep 2021 Leave a comment

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

John 8:12.      I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 

Then it was Thursday…and a surge of power echoes through our work weary souls, because tomorrow is Friday, and we can see the end of the work week in sight! Oh my people, have you ever noticed the dichotomy in our souls and spirits when we are tired, but can see a light at the end of the tunnel? That light, dim, though it may be, resurrects the hope and faith in our tired beings. And that’s exactly what Jesus Christ brings to the table when we sincerely accept Him as Lord and Saviour. 

Yes friends, Jesus produces a divine light in our lives when we live for Him, a light that we look forward to, have hope and faith in. He said it Himself. ‘I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ (John 8:12) 

Oh my brethren, what a wonderful promise! That means a life free from the ravages of sin and evil; one where we can breathe easy despite the most enormous problems surrounding us, because we depend on the One in whom there is no darkness, only light, Jesus Christ the bright Morning star. Hear how John further puts it in his first epistle nuh. He says very confidently: ‘This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.’ (1 John 1:5) Wow friends! What a magnificent word and teaching. 

And the scholars explain that verse thus: ‘1:5. Again John implies his eyewitness status, having heard of him, that is, Jesus. John passes on to the church teaching he first received from Jesus. Light and darkness here have ethical overtones. John is saying that God is perfect and good; there is no sin nor evil in Him. This will have implications for followers of this God in the following verses.’ And indeed they do, as we listen to the verses that the scholars refer to. ‘If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not do (practice) the truth:’ (1 John 1:6) 

And the scholars tell us that ‘1:6. Walk in darkness means walking in sin. John may have had in mind people who claimed to be enjoying a close relationship with God, but whose lives were clearly characterized by sin. Such a state of affairs, John says boldly, is impossible; such persons are lying.’ 

Now, if John though that such a situation was bad in his day…brother…he ought to experience them today, where numerous supposed Christians are undoubtedly living a life of sin, while pretending to be so holy and righteous. And unfortunately, we find a lot of that in the leadership and upper echelons of Christ’s church, where those who are supposed to be setting a good example are being outed almost every day in some sinful scandal or the other. Unfortunately, Christ’s church is amongst the most scandalous organizations on the earth! 

However, as John continues: ‘But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sin.’ (1 John 1:7) Oh my fellow believers, how wonderful is that eh? When we walk in true light and fellowship, the blood of Christ cleanses us, washes away our sin. Listen to the scholars once more. ‘1:7. “God is light” (vs. 5). To walk in this light, which is to live free from bondage to sin (cf. Rom. 6:18), is to make true communion between believers possible. Jesus’ violent death on the cross, which is what blood signifies, is the initial antidote for and ultimate defense against sin’s presence and power.’ 

And what a powerful antidote the blood of Jesus truly is my brethren! If it can wash away sin and keep one free from the bondage of sin, then it must indeed be extremely powerful, possibly the most powerful antidote in God’s great universe, since sin is the most powerful and pervasive negative agent around. And being the good spoon feeder that I am, (smile) here is that verse the scholars mention above from Romans, with some context.

Bruh Paul wrote: ‘But God be thanked, that (though) ye were the servants (slaves) of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you (to which you were entrusted). Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.’ (Rom. 6:17-18) Yes friends, like the church at Rome, we heard the doctrine of the gospel of Christ preached and believed. It profoundly affected our lives, as doctrine is supposed to do. And that means we are not free to do whatever we want, but must follow the doctrine, doing stuff that is consistent with God’s character. ‘True freedom is freedom from sin.’ 

That’s why John persisted in telling us about sin, its reality and remedy. ‘If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (sin). If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.’ (1 John 1:8-9) 

John could not have said it any clearer. And nothing has changed from his day. Just like there were some saying that they had no sin back then, we have plenty who are making the same claim today. But that’s a fool’s wisdom, since the Good Book clearly states: ‘For we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God.’ (Rom. 3:23) Sin is what caused, and still causes the ungodliness and depravity in the world. So, if we say that we don’t have sin, then we’re lying. And furthermore, we are also making God a liar, because He says that we have sin. 

And Jesus taught us that if we owned up to our sin, we could be forgiven, ‘while those who were blind to their sin would be left mired in it (cf. John 9:41).’ And here is that verse, where Jesus said to the Pharisees in answer to the question ‘Are we blind also?’ ‘If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.’ (John 9:40-41) Count on Jesus to tie up the Pharisees with His divine logic! (smile) 

So friends, let’s admit our sin nuh, and wisely turn to Christ for forgiveness, for He doesn’t only dole out forgiveness but also incredible blessings when we sincerely try to live for Him. Now, let’s declare just a handful of them (smile) from what we call our Thursday Blessings just to show how truly wonderful our heavenly Father and Saviour are. 

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

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

Now let’s go out and share those blessings just as generously with others as Jesus shared them with us. That’s what He expects of us! Much LOVE!

…sin…the cause of man’s fall…forgiveness…the divine act that makes him rise again…                                                                                                         

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 March 2021 Ephesians 3:20.

11 Mar 2021 Leave a comment

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

Ephesians 3:20.     Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

And then, rather quickly, it was Thursday, the penultimate day of the work week, and our lives are still somewhat confused by the pandemic and racial unrest. However, despite how things may appear, regardless of all the worries and pain, if you believe that your life is in Almighty God’s hands, then those problems will become very surmountable! Yes friends, once you are in God’s hands, problems never seem as worrisome and problematic! 

Oh, you will still have them, because that’s just a part of life on this planet, but once you’re walking with Him, once you are a follower of His wonderful Son, our Sacrificial Lamb, Jesus Christ, He’s always there to help and comfort you through His Holy Spirit that indwells all His followers! 

Wow! What awesome comfort and assurance! No other Deity can provide such emotional relief and trust, because no other Deity is alive and well and powerful like the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. But the important thing is that we have to embrace all the promises and benefits that the Lord has provided. They don’t come to us automatically. We have to make the decision to come to Christ and accept that He is Lord and Saviour. 

And today, what we’re going to look at is the first act in that action. (smile) It’s called prayer, or talking to God in reverential awe; humbly, but with confidence, as Hebrews tells us: ‘Let us therefore come boldly (confidently) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.’ (Heb. 4:16) 

Now, prayer is not only asking God for stuff we want, or think we need, it goes much deeper than that. It is in essence a communing of our spirit with that of the Father, who originally breathed His Spirit in us to give us life. And when we accept Christ as Lord and Saviour, His Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us to lead and guide us and to help us commune with the Almighty. Part of the Holy Spirit’s job is also to help us in prayer. 

Bruh Paul puts it like this to the church at Rome. ‘Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities (weaknesses): for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts (God) knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.’ (Rom. 8:26-27) 

Yes precious people, the Holy Spirit interprets our innermost feelings that we cannot put into words and aligns them with God’s will. For remember, before the Lord grants our requests, He looks at the motives of our hearts, to see if they’re selfish, greedy and outside of His will. 

But getting back to actual prayer. Let’s look at how Bruh Paul prayed for others. It’s strange, but he didn’t usually pray for people’s troubles to go away and that sort of thing, he mostly prayed that they would have inner growth, and thus be able to handle the problems from a point of greater maturity. Here’s how he prayed for the Ephesians, the church at Ephesus. 

‘For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named (derived). That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye being rooted and grounded in LOVE, May be able to comprehend (understand) with all saints what is the breadth (width), and length, and depth and height; And to know the LOVE of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.’ (Eph. 3:14-19) 

Oh, I know that it seems like a long and complicated prayer, but in essence it’s fairly simple. Here are some explanations from the scholars. ‘3:16-19. In these verses Paul makes three prayer requests for the addressees: (1) That they would be strengthened with might by his spirit (vs.16), that is, they be divinely enabled to successfully live the Christian life. (2) That the readers be able to comprehend…the LOVE of Christ , that is, to better understand the enormous LOVE Christ has for them. And (3) that they might be filled with all the fullness of God, that is, that the life, character, and virtues of God Himself may be fully developed in them.’ 

Oh my people, doesn’t that sound like a complete prayer? It surely does! When we are strengthened by the Spirit, then we can understand Christ’s LOVE, then live the way He desires us to live, through strong and mature faith, ‘rooted and grounded in LOVE.’ And there’s no other way to live the Christian life my friends. 

But Bruh Paul wasn’t done with his prayer. He continues: ‘Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.’ (Eph. 3:20-21) And the scholars tell us: ‘3:20. In making the three above petitions (vs. 16-19) Paul has not asked for too much. For he prays unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that he can ask or think.’ 

And that’s the gospel truth my brethren! Our God is omnipotent, omniscient and omni-present, that means He can do all things, knows all things and is everywhere at the same time! And that’s why He is GOD! So let’s try to adopt some of those prayer principles that Bruh Paul established nuh. Let’s not just pray for troubles to be over, or success to be gained, but for us to receive what we need to grow and mature in the faith, have our inner man strengthened. We will all end up better off and living a more complete Christian life. 

And now, since it’s Thursday, let’s go home declaring (yeahhh!) our Thursday Blessings, which the Lord has magnanimously bestowed on us to do His earthly work. Altogether now, in 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!’ 

Oh friends, it’s time for us to now share those blessings with others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us! Much LOVE!

…Christ came as a servant…and He expects the same of His followers… 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 March 2021 1 Peter 5:7.

04 Mar 2021 Leave a comment

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

1 Peter 5:7.     ​Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Ah mih people, the ole fella’s in a funk this morning, that’s why we’re a tad late. I had to listen to some worship music to get myself going. And am I going yet? (smile) I do hope so for all our sakes. And what have I learned in my troubled way this morning? 

That despite the rough and rocky roads we walk and the difficult situations we encounter, where the mountains keep getting higher and harder to climb each day, despite how we feel, or what happens to us, the most important thing to do is to stay in the everlasting arms of our great and benevolent God. Put our lives irrevocably in His hands, stay with Him throughout the whole race of life and He will lead us safely through, cause with Him is the only place that we are truly safe. 

And why is that? Because He cares for us. That’s the most obvious reason. He’s our Creator and heavenly Father, so just like we care for our children, He cares for us, His children. Peter says : ‘Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.’ (1 Pet. 5:6-7) 

And if you don’t believe Peter, then check out Bruh David’s words on the subject. In Psalm 55 he faithfully and strongly proclaims: ‘Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer (permit) the righteous to be moved (shaken).’ (Ps. 55:22) 

What a marvellous scripture! And Bruh David was the epitome of that verse, for though he screwed up and made mistakes like we do, he never gave up on the God of his forefathers because he experienced God’s goodness as well as chastening for his mistakes. God also never forsook him, even for his most severe and shaming mistakes like his liaison with Bathsheba and what came out of it. When you read Bruh David’s story and still hear God call him His friend and a man after His own heart, as recorded in I Samuel 13:14, and brought up by Bruh Paul in his preaching in Antioch, you must be amazed at God’s goodness. 

‘And afterward they (Israel) desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of (for) forty years. And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, A man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will. Of this man’s seed (descendants) hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus.’ (Acts 13:21-23) 

Oh friends, if Bruh David could make serious mistakes and still be looked upon with God’s great favour, even to the point of having His Son Jesus born of his line, why wouldn’t He do the same for us eh? And I just discovered some useful info on why Bruh David was so favoured by God. On the website biblestudytools.com Ron Edmonson gives us ten reasons why Bruh David is called a man after God’s heart. He uses the New International Version of the Bible. 

Listen up. ‘The following words describe the heart of David as seen in his own writings:Humble – Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. (Ps, 62:9)Reverent – I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. (Ps. 18:3) Respectful – Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. (Ps. 31:9) Trusting – The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? (Ps. 27:1) 

LOVING – I LOVE you, O Lord, my strength. (Ps. 18:1) Devoted – You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. (Ps. 4:7) Recognition – I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. (Ps. 9:1) Faithful – Surely goodness and LOVE will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Ps. 23:6) Obedient – Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. (Ps. 119:34) Repentant – For the sake of your name, O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. (Ps. 25:11) David’s example is a great road map for how we are to live our life.’ 

And isn’t that the gospel truth my fellow saints in Christ! What a cornucopia, (smile) an abundance of ways that Bruh David stayed in touch with God. And as Ron Edmonson says, those are all areas in which we believers ought to try our best to stay with God. Let’s put them all together in line so we can have them right at our fingertips nuh. (smile) ‘Humble, Reverent, Respectful, Trusting, LOVING, Devoted, Recognition, Faithful, Obedient, Repentant.’ 

Oh my people we can never go wrong if we try to establish those areas as foundational structures in our walk with God. And having established that the Most High God, He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is our safe place, our refuge, our provider and Father, let’s go home now declaring (chuh man!) our Thursday Blessings, those divine talents He’s generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work. 

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

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

So having declared them, let’s go out and share them just as generously as God gave them to us. That’s our bounden duty! Much LOVE

…there’s a bright future with God…if we cast all our cares on Him… 

P.S. Today’s Bit is a testimony to staying with God even when it’s rough. I wasn’t up to scratch, didn’t know what to write, but I persevered with Him…and Voila! The Lord came through! (smile) He will do the same for you. Much LOVE! 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 January 2021 Proverbs 3:35.

14 Jan 2021 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 3:35.     The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion (legacy) of fools.

Let’s get with it nuh friends, for we are now one day older and thus one day closer to death, when we can’t make any changes in our eternal destination! 

Yes, death is staring each of us in the face every single moment of every day, and since we know not when our time will be up, doesn’t it make a whole lotta sense to ensure that our eternal destination will be heaven with Christ and not hell and damnation with Satan! It certainly does! 

But oh, I forgot that we have free choice and can do whatever we wish, when we want to…but not this immortal and most important decision. That has to be made while we’re still alive and kicking! 

Remember the supposedly wise man in Jesus’ parable of the rich fool? He had plenty, and thought he was going to live for a long time, so he planned to build bigger and better, saying: ‘And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.’ (Luke 12:19) 

Oh my people, a lot of us are behaving like that rich fool, acquiring earthly treasure and storing it up so we can eventually lead the easy life, but what about our treasure in heaven where so many of us hope to spend eternity eh? Just like we put away money in the bank for a rainy day, likewise we need to put up treasure in heaven for that bright and sunny day when we get there. 

And we all know what happened to that rich fool: ‘But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?’ (Luke 12:20) Now that’s a very good question, one we should all ask ourselves. 

Yeh friends, the Grim Reaper came calling for him that same night. Now what would happen if the Lord came calling for us sometime today eh, would we be prepared, or would we be caught napping like that rich fool? Would God make this statement towards us as He did towards that rich fool? ‘So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.’ (Luke 12:21) 

Friends, are we rich towards God? Are we storing up treasure in heaven, and not only concerned with what’s happening here on earth? I certainly hope not! For Cousin Sol tells us this:‘The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion (legacy) of fools.’(Prov. 3:35) 

Oh precious people, I know none of us want to leave a legacy of being foolish, so let’s be wise and take time, RIGHT NOW,to make sure our eternal destination is heaven and not hell nuh! 

That means ensuring we have Christ in us, and that we are in Him, we have accepted Him as our Lord and Saviour, and thus are obedient to His way of living, that we are children of God, joint heirs with Christ, have been redeemed, justified, sanctified, reconciled and sealed by the Holy Spirit as God’s own for ever and ever! 

Oh what a wonderful and joyful situation to be in my faithful brethren! And that’s what happens when we invite Jesus into our hearts, our lives and allow Him to take control of our eternal destination. We’re flooded with a joy inconceivable to the unbeliever, for the joy of the Lord is our strength. That’s why the enemy works so hard to keep us miserable and unhappy. He knows that’s where our strength lies. 

And oh, I forgot, there’s one more constraint on our eternal preparations; the Second Coming of Christ! Yes friends, if Christ comes back before the Grim Reaper comes a calling, then all bets are also off the table. The thing about Jesus’ Second Coming is that we don’t know when that will be either. 

As He himself said: ‘But of that day and hour knoweth no man, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.’ (Matt. 24:36-37) Yes mih bredrin, we’ll be eating and drinking and carrying on like they were in Noah’s time, unconcerned about sin and God, when like the flood suddenly came, Jesus will come back, like a thief in the night, unexpectedly. 

‘Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman (master) of the house had known in what watch (hour) the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered (allowed) his house to be broken up (into). Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.’ (Matt. 24:40.44) 

Those weren’t my words friends, they were Jesus’. So if He took the time to warn us, don’t you think it will be wise for us to heed it? I certainly do. And just in case you don’t understand the seriousness of that situation, listen to this explanation from the scholars. 

‘24:39-42.The observation that the people of Noah’s day knew not the severity and suddenness of the coming destruction indicates that the last generation will be totally unprepared for the coming of the Son of man, the return of Christ to judge the world. (See 2 Thess. 1:7-8) The reference to two being in the field or at work at the time of Christ’s return implies the suddenness of His coming to separate the lost and the saved.’ 

What else can I say eh friends, it’s all there in black and white! All I know that if either the Grim Reaper or Christ comes and we’re not ready, there’ll be much weeping and gnashing of teeth. So let’s get it together right now nuh, and avoid that sad and undesirable scenario. And for those of us who are seriously working on it, let’s go home now declaring (ah Lord eh!) our Thursday Blessings, generously bestowed on us to do Christ’s earthly work. 

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

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

And the desired consequence of all that, is we go out and share those blessings just as generously with others in need.Much LOVE!

…be wise…be prepared…   

Epilogue! And you all wonder why I dislike computers and this technological society that is strangling us. Well over an hour ago, I was almost finished writing the Bit when the one-year-old computer broke down on me in the middle of writing. Steups! Try as I could, I was unable to get it to work. So here I am on my trusty laptop, so much older than that new-fangled machine and still going strong! 

And it’s a good thing that I had signed back into OneDrive, only a couple of days ago, else I would have to write over the Bit from start, and would be tearing my hair out and using even more expletive deletes than I am now. (smile) But the Good Lord does move in mysterious ways – give Him all the praise – and we finally finish. Much LOVE!

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 January 2021 Psalm 119:75.

07 Jan 2021 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 119:75.     ​I know, O Lord, that thy judgements are right (righteous), and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

Brother! I thought that 2020 went fast, but like this new year planning on going even faster! Is already Thursday the 7th, and the year just started. (smile) Just wish our calamities were going away as quickly. But what to do eh? We brought most of them on ourselves, and we’re not behaving in a manner that will encourage them to leave as quickly as they came. 

What a blessing to have Jesus on our side! The Good Book plainly and truthfully states it: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ (Phil. 4:13) That means, with His help, His awesome grace, mercy and strength, we can handle anything that comes against us, even if it is of our making. And furthermore, we’re also told: ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory through Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19) 

Yes mih bredrin, if Christ will strengthen me and cause the Lord to provide all my needs, who or what else do I need eh? NOTHING, or NOBODY! For Christ is sufficient in and of Himself! That’s why He instructed us to ‘seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:34) 

Oh friends, when we put Jesus Christ first and foremost in our lives, He will provide all that we need to live an abundant life. And that doesn’t necessarily mean rich in personal possessions, but certainly rich in spiritual things, maturity in spirituality, a good example of Christian living. So I don’t understand how so many of us refuse to follow Jesus, or only give Him lip-service and are not truly faithful to and in sync with Him. 

 I’m guessing that’s partly because living for Jesus is not easy. As His ambassadors, His earthly representatives, He expects a lot of us. He expects us to grow tremendously and shine brightly on His behalf, and that is ofttimes a difficult row to hoe. But as the ole people would say, ‘no pain, no gain.’ And that’s certainly highlighted in this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. It’s appropriately titled ‘The Pain of Growth.’ 

So please pray 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 Or financial ruin. The pain of being misunderstood. 

Lord, the very thought of pain Frightens and unnerves me. Yet 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.’ 

And that calls for a big ‘AMEN!’ my brethren. For it’s definitely through pain and somewhat uncomfortable circumstances that the Lord grows and matures us in His economy. And there’s nothing in that list of painful things above that Jesus never suffered on our behalf during His earthly sojourn. That’s why He can empathize with our suffering now. 

That’s why the author of Hebrews could confidently proclaim: ‘Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession (confession of faith). For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched (empathize) with the feeling of our infirmities (our weaknesses); but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly (confidently) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.’ (Heb. 4:14-16) 

Yes my fellow saints in Christ, our Lord and Saviour, our venerable Leader felt every pain and suffering that we’ve ever felt…and more than any of us have ever felt to boot! And in Isaiah 53, Christ suffering is laid out, so much so that He’s known as ‘a man of sorrows.’ (Is. 53:3) And I like how the website www.gotquestions.org explains it. ‘Jesus is called “a man of sorrows” because of how much suffering He had to endure. He suffered first by leaving the glories of heaven and entering the human race as a man. Then He suffered all the things that humanity suffers, and then finally He suffered the wrath of God as the sin-bearer.’ 

So when He asks us to undergo a spot of suffering on His behalf, we ought to just shut our blooming mouths and do it without the hemming and hawing we’re so famous for. What would have happened if He hemmed and hawed about going to the cross for us eh? When Jesus asks us to jump, the correct answer is simply, ‘How high Lord?’ 

And before we run out of time and space, let’s look at the Bible Promise that was used for the poem above. It comes from the great psalm 119: ‘I know, O Lord, that thy judgements are right (righteous), and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Let I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.’ (Ps. 119:75-76) 

Yes people, the psalmist realized that God in His righteousness and justice would not afflict Him without a good reason. And furthermore, His LOVING-kindness, His unfailing LOVE, would comfort him during his trails, just like He promised. 

So please, if we want to be known as true and serious followers of Jesus, let’s cut out the foolishness nuh, and grow up, stop being selfish, petty and afraid and stand up to anything that comes against, because He’s faithfully promised to bring us safely and stronger through our trials and tribulation. And if you can’t believe His promise, what’s the point in being His follower eh? 

So for those of us who are willing to undergo the troubles of the world without too much complaining, let’s go home now sincerely declaring (oh yeahhh!) our Thursday Blessings, those magnificent blessings the Lord has so generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work. Wow! 

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

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

And please remember, those blessings are not to be selfishly hoarded, but generously shared, just like the Lord generously shared them with us! Much LOVE!

…for whom the Lord LOVETH…He chasteneth… (Heb. 12:6) 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 December 2020 Psalm 103:2.

03 Dec 2020 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 103:2.     ​Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Gee…it’s Thursday, Thursday, Thursday! The day before Friday, Friday, Friday, when we’re let out to play! And thankfully, the roadways are bereft of that white menace, so nicely called snow! It sure seems like all’s right with our world; the sun’s shining brightly, Jesus is filling our hearts, and the java, she is indeed worthy of that venerable name; strong and sweet and potent! 

But remember, all that glistens is certainly not gold, sometimes not even gold-plated. (smile) Yeh friends, despite the outward sheen, our world is totally rotten inside, and stinking to high hell! Hn, hn hn! I just realized I said, ‘high hell’ instead of ‘high heaven’. But that’s okay because heaven doesn’t encourage stench to come up there. (smile) Unfortunately though, the works of evil dominate our societies from one end of the globe to the other, from north to south and east to west! What a sad tale to tell! And why is our world in such a discombobulated and uncertain state eh? 

One basic reason; the inmates of the asylum have turned against their Keeper, their Maker, the Lord God Almighty: ‘Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth forever: 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 their way).’ (Ps. 146: 6-9) 

Oh my people, that’s whom we have turned against! And no wonder our world is turned upside down, in a topsy-turvy evil and ungodly mess! If you turn against the good, just, LOVING, compassionate, merciful, gracious, righteous and forgiving One who created it all – and still controls it all, what else can you really expect eh? 

But yuh know what my people, the same way we have turned away from God, we can again turn back to Him. The Israelites in their foolish and stubborn hard-hearted pride, although they knew of His goodness as well as His wrath, did it several times, and each time they came back, He welcomed them with opened arms, for that’s the kind of forgiving and merciful God He is! 

Hear how Bruh David puts it nuh in Psalm 103 – Thanksgiving for God’s mercy: ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with LOVING-kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgement for all that are oppressed. He made his ways known unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.’ (Ps. 103:2-7) 

Yuh see friends, our God is a straight shooter! He made whatever He made, however He wanted to make it, and then told us how He wanted us to behave, and what rules He wanted us to follow. But He was then magnanimous to a fault; He gave us the bounty, or weighty cement shoes of free speech. It could work either way, depending on our disposition towards Him. And sadly, I have to say that right now that supposed garnishee of free speech is acting like cement shoes, for we have turned against God and our abominable sins are weighing us down into the mire of deceit and self-destruction. 

But the awesome God who made us is so wonderful, so magnanimous, that He’s known as the God of second chances, in fact the God of many chances! That’s why Bruh David could further expound in Psalm 103: ‘The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous (abounding) in mercy (LOVING-kindness). He will not always chide (strive): neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy (LOVING-kindness) toward them that fear (sincerely reverence) him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear (sincerely reverence) him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.’ (Ps. 103:8-14)

 Oh mih people, what more can I say eh? I’ve tried to prove to us why our world is in such a sad and sorry state, and also how we can get it out of that distressing mess. It all depends on our relationship with the Lord God Almighty, Maker and Ruler of heaven and earth! If we sincerely worship and reverence Him, then our world will be turned around, be saved from the hellfire and damnation to which we’re currently headed in our dreadful and sinful pride and stubbornness! 

It’s all up to us. Remember what Bruh David said at the start: ‘forget not all his benefits.’ (Ps. 103:2) Yes friends, all that Lord does and says is not for His benefit, but for ours, and He will not force us to do what we don’t want to do. So our future is all in our hands. End of sermon! (smile) 

Now for those of us who are sincerely trying to live the way God desires, let’s go home declaring (yeahh!) our Thursday Blessings; awesome blessings which the Lord has magnanimously bestowed on us, so that we can do His work down here on earth. Altogether now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! 

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

So let’s go out now and do our bounden duty nuh; share those blessings with others, just as magnanimously and generously as the Lord shared them with us! Much LOVE!

…to sincerely reverence our God…brings such joy and peace…to one’s spirit and soul… 

Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries