Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 October 2015 Psalm 130:5‏‏

12 Oct 2015 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 130:5.  I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

HAPPY  THANKSGIVING  DAY  CANADA!

And do we ever have plenty to be thankful for in this Canada my people, the best big country in the world! Glory Hallelujah! 

And I recently heard one of my old favourite reggae songs that’s ever so appropriate for this Thanksgiving Day, that I had to share it. I believe I’ve shared it some time long ago, and I don’t even remember the singer’s name, but it does fill today’s bill. 

Please sing along with me. ‘The earth is Jah Lord’s, and the fullness thereof! Jahman, give thanks and praise! It’s five o’clock in the morning, As I rise to greet a new day, I wish everyone could feel the way I do today. Just to hear the birds a-singing, and the joy that they’re a-bringing. We are Jah gifts for we are life. 

Don’t you see what I see? Give thanks and praise, give thanks and praise, give thanks and praise to Jah for His ever-LOVING ways. Ah say: Give thanks and praise… do you hear: Give thanks and praise, Give thanks and praise to Jah for His merciful ways. 

I think to myself, that beautiful days like these, should not be wasted in a cussing and fussing and fighting. As I trod along the way, As I trod along today, I know the best things in life are free. 

O do you hear: Give thanks and praise, Give thanks and praise, Give thanks and praise to Jah for His merciful ways. Can’t you see what I see? Give thanks and praise, give thanks and praise to Jah for His ever-LOVING ways!’ 

Oh my people, now isn’t that ever the most appropriate way for us to behave each and every day, not only on Thanksgiving Day! It surely is! For just being able to rise and greet a new day is sufficient to give much thanks for. 

And when you add the sweet singing of the birds and the joy they bring us with their song, plus the beauty of the day itself – and today indeed looks like another beautiful one  – then our God’s merciful and ever-LOVING ways, with all the best things in life being free, why should there be any cussing and fussing and fighting eh? 

This earthly life should be all about giving thanks and praise to Almighty God for all the goodness He’s so generously bestowed on us. Unfortunately though, with our fallen nature, it just doesn’t work out that way. We seem to have more cussing and fussing and fighting, more strife and anger than praise and thanks. What a pity! 

Anyway, today is Monday, and though we in Canada don’t all have to go out and labour, many others over the world have to. So in sympathy with them (smile) let’s belt out a wonderful rendition of our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to give them some inspiration and faith to go out and serve God with holiness and righteousness. 

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!’ 

That was wonderful Friends! Jesus was pleased, as the broad smile on His handsome face revealed. Although I believe that most of the enthusiasm came from us Canadians who don’t have to go to work today. (smile) But nonetheless it was a good rendition. 

Now let’s try and do what our Bit says, for this last day nuh. ‘I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.’ That’s a must Friends, if we need to see God’s grace and mercy in our lives! 

Now listen to how the psalmist continues his song of hope and faith. ‘My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say more than they that watch for the morning. Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy (LOVING-kindness), and with him is plenteous (abundant) redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.’ (Ps.130:6-8) 

Oh Friends, isn’t all of that the living truth? It most certainly is! We just have to hold on to it my brethren, and not let the nonsense that the world is so full of today, to get into and disrupt our godly lives. 

So let’s all have a good day, giving thanks and praise for our God’s grace and mercy, as we ought to, for that’s wisdom at its zenith. Much LOVE!

…remember Granny’s warning…drunk or sober…mind yuh business (smile)…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 November 2014 Matthew 15:36

27 Nov 2014 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 15:36. And he (Jesus) took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

HAPPY  THANKSGIVING  DAY  U.S.A.

And a Happy Thanksgiving Day to all you folks in the U.S. of A!
 
I know it’s your biggest holiday, so please be careful in your drinking and driving, eating and partying. Please remember not to give Lucifer any chances to enter your souls and pollute them. That means to also remember Granny’s warning: ‘Drunk or sober mind your business!’
 
Eat, drink and be merry, and give sincere thanks to Almighty God for all that you have, for He is indeed the Creator of everything, and also the one who enables us to get whatever we have. Now here’s an interesting poem from the One Year Book of Bible Promises, titled ‘Thanksgiving Day Dream.’
 
‘On this fragrant, frosty Thanksgiving day The huge turkey browns beautifully In our king-size oven. The tender yams are evenly candied; The corn soufflé is beginning to bubble; The congealed salad is ready to unmold. The homemade bread with its crunchy texture Is wrapped in foil for reheating.
 
The ice cubes are bagged in plastic; The relishes are artistically arranged On a round crystal plate. The pumpkin pies are still slightly warm. Fresh yellow chrysanthemums Grace the long, colourful table. The house glistens and shines. My make up is evenly applied…. 
 
So, dear family How about settling down In our favourite chairs For an hour of relaxation before our guests arrive!  Lord, I dream of this happening Some ethereal Thanksgiving Day!’
 
Now that would really be a dream day, for no day of celebration ever runs so smoothly, with all the preparations made and time to sit and relax before the guests arrive. It’s always a rush to do last minute stuff, and people always arrive long before you are ready to entertain them.
 
And when it finally all comes together, there are always problems cropping up, with lots of them boiling over into anger and resentment. But that’s just life! There’s not much we can do about it, except try to get along.
 
Now let’s look at our Bit: And he (Jesus) took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave them to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.’
 
That’s when Jesus fed the four thousand men and recovered seven baskets of leftovers. And what I want us to pay close attention to in that verse Friends, is that though Jesus was God in human form, He still thought it necessary to give thanks to His heavenly Father in the breaking of bread. Do we give thanks at meal times? We ought to.
 
And today we’re just going to look at a couple other examples of Jesus giving thanks at meal times. First up is that time when He fed the five thousand with the five loaves and two small fishes belonging to a young boy.
 
The Good Book declares: And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and he took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.’ (Matt.14:19)
 
Yes my people, please note that Jesus also gave thanks there ‘looked up to heaven,’ before He broke and distributed the food. It just shows the importance of thanking our Creator.
 
Or as Bruh Paul says to the Ephesians: ‘Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (Eph.5:20) Yes Friends, technically speaking, we should give thanks in ALL situations, not just at meal times.
 
Then possibly, the most important occasion when Jesus gave thanks was at the Last Supper, the Passover meal He shared with the disciples. The Good Book relates it thus: ‘And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
 
And he said unto them, With desire I have desired (I have earnestly desired) to eat this Passover with you before I suffer: for I say unto you, I will not anymore eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
 
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
 
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
 
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament (covenant) in my blood, which is shed for you.’ (Luke 22:14-20) That was Luke’s version.
 
The end of Matthew’s version goes like this. ‘And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it: for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission (forgiveness) of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you In my Father’s kingdom.’ (Matt.26:27-29)
 
What a symbolic remembrance my brethren! That means every time we take communion, celebrate the Eucharist, we symbolically remember Christ and the ‘sufferation’ He endured for us.
 
And the scholars add. (Luke) 22:20. A testament is a covenant, a God-initiated and God-fulfilled arrangement that results in the reconciliation of people to Himself.’
 
And that’s exactly what Jesus’ crucifixion brought about, for which we all are eternally grateful!
 
Oh Friends, please remember the importance of giving thanks to Jehovah God, our Creator and Provider! And better still, let us take pleasure in doing so, because in the first place, it is only through His good pleasure that we have anything to give thanks for.
 
Enjoy the day and weekend, but please don’t go overboard, do use a modicum of circumspection, because that’s the zenith of wisdom. Much LOVE!
 
…but thanks be to God…which giveth us the victory…through our Lord Jesus Christ…  (1 Cor.15:57)

 

 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 October 2014 Mark 9:23

14 Oct 2014 Leave a comment

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

Mark 9:23.     Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Well well my Canadian Friends and Neighbours, the party done now! Thanksgiving Day is over now, although the practice of thanksgiving must be an ongoing movement. I hope we all had a good time, we didn’t over do it, and the Lord was pleased with our devotions.
 
I didn’t do much myself, just had a quiet day, since we had our small family festivities on Sunday. And furthermore, the weather in my area didn’t lend itself to any raucous celebrations –cloudy and unfriendly – although I know that didn’t stop a whole lot of others from being raucous and rambunctious. (smile)
 
I surely hope that we didn’t give Lucifer and his evil compadres any space for advancement in our souls, but most importantly, for those of you who sang our Monday Morning battle Hymn so boisterously yesterday morning, knowing that you did not have to go to work, I certainly hope that you all have the wherewithal to go out and labour this Tuesday morning after the festivities. (smile) Yuh know it always catches up to us.
 
Now let’s take a gander at our Bit. ‘Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.’
 
It deals with faith and belief, and today we’re going to look at situations of faith, of people coming to Jesus for help through some kind of inbred faith, some of which astonished even Jesus.
 
But before we get into the scriptures, let’s hear a word on the subject from Gramps Schuller – Dr. Robert H. Schuller – from his Hour of Power Devotional.
 
It’s titled ‘FAITH’ and it says: ‘Lord, I believe in the sun, even when it is behind the clouds; in the seed, even when it lies unsprouted under the ground; in faith, even when I have been betrayed; in LOVE, even when I have been rejected; in hope, even when I have been hurt; in God, even when you do not answer my prayers. Amen.’
 
Yes Friends, that’s what it means to have faith! Even when things aren’t going your way, you still stand strong in your belief in Jesus.
 
Now let’s look at the particular situation which occasioned our Bit from Jesus. A sorrowful father had brought his young son to the disciples for healing. The lad was infected by a dumb (mute) spirit, which caused him to have crazy, dangerous seizures, but the disciples couldn’t heal him. (Mark 9:17-18)
 
Jesus’ response was: ‘O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer (bear with) you? Bring him unto me.’ (Mark 9:19)
 
And as the Lord would have it, the youngster had a seizure as soon as they brought him before Jesus. ‘And he (Jesus) asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child (from childhood). And oftimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us and help us.’ (Mark 9:21-22)
 
That’s when Jesus repeated the words of our Bit: ‘If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.’ (Mark 9:23-24)
 
Yes my people, in some form and fashion, deep down the father believed, that’s why he brought his son to the disciples in the first place.
 
The scholars; describe it thus: ‘9:24. He had a certain faith; but it was confession of his undeniable inner turmoil and doubt that marked his faltering faith as truly authentic, if imperfect, trust. Before God honesty is a wise course.’
 
That last sentence is gospel truth my brethren! If we are anything less than totally honest with God, we’re simply wasting our time, for remember He reads the motives of our hearts, not our outward actions.
 
Jesus healed the lad right there and then. He had no choice, since the father had backed Him into a corner with his declaration of apparently sincere though confused and troubled faith.
 
But later on, in private, when the disciples asked Jesus why they couldn’t cast out the spirit, He answered them: ‘This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.’ (Mark 9:29)
 
And the scholars have an interesting comment on that verse: ‘9:29. While some manuscripts omit fasting, it seems crucial to the context. Jesus does not seem to have resorted to prayer in the course of this healing. Perhaps he refers to a life-style of prevailing prayer that yields a reservoir of spiritual power for just such a crisis as this.’
 
Who knows Friends? But to influence spiritual power, prayer and fasting, in a serious and sincere manner, are of the utmost importance!
 
And I believe we have time for one more example of strong faith and belief. Jesus was on His way to raise the daughter of a Jewish ruler Jairus, when this situation occurred.
 
‘And a certain woman, which had an issue (a flow) of blood twelve years, and had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered (no better), but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press (crowd) behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.’
 
(Scholars note: Popular belief had it that a person’s dignity and power extend to what he wears.) ‘And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague (affliction). And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue (power) had gone out of him, turned him about in the press (crowd), and said, Who touched my clothes?
 
And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague (affliction).’ (Mark 5: 25-34)
 
Oh my people, what a great story! But back in those times it was a very dangerous game that the woman played.
 
Listen to the scholars explain: ‘5:33. The woman would be fearful of a rebuke, since her bleeding rendered her “unclean” according to Jewish law. She ought not to have been mixing in the crowd, nor reaching out purposely to touch a man. That she owned up openly indicates that her interest lay not only in physical health: she wanted to be right with Jesus Himself. Her faith, not the grasp of her hand, brought restoration to her.’
 
Yes Friends, that’s the power of faith! So today, while we go about the Lord’s business, please let us embrace a faith as strong and as courageous as the folks we’ve read about, and let’s allow it come out, to show in all our words and actions, because that’s our duty as ambassadors for Christ. Much LOVE!
 
…like the woman with the issue of blood…let’s bow down and confess to Jesus…so that we can be made right with Him…
 
P.S. Oh Friends, it’s long and late, but it’s beautiful! (smile) Much LOVE!

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 November 2013 Deuteronomy 26:11

28 Nov 2013 Leave a comment

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

Deuteronomy 26:11.    And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite (priest), and the stranger that is among you.
 
                                                   HAPPY  U. S. THANKSGIVING  DAY!
 
Well a Happy Thanksgiving Day to all our Friends and families south of the border! Today is the big day in the U.S. Possibly the most celebrated holiday on their calendar, where friends and families come together to give thanks for whatever they have it, be it much or little.
 
The sad part though is that too many have too little and too few have too much. But whatever we do have Friends, we need to be thankful for it.
 
As our Bit says, from the instructions of offering of our first fruits to the Lord: ‘And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite (priest), and the stranger that is among you.’ Please note that it includes EVERYBODY; even ‘the stranger that is among you.’ 
 
And I just LOVE the scripture from Nehemiah, after Ezra and the priests had read and explained the Law of Moses, which most of the people had never heard before, and they wept after hearing it.
 
‘Then he (Nehemiah) said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto the Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’ (Neh.8:10)
 
What I LOVE about that scripture are the inspired words; ‘and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared.’ Oh my fellow believers, that is supposed to be a big part of the Thanksgiving Holiday, or for that matter, ALL holidays! We need to learn to share with those who have less than us, because it is a Biblical instruction.
 
Note this verse, when the Israelites came out of Egypt, and were being told about certain feasts and how to cook the food and where to eat it.
 
‘And thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the Lord thy God hath chosen to place his name there.’ (Deut.16:11)
 
EVERYBODY was supposed to be included! But unfortunately as the years rolled along and we became more selfish and greedy people, we have tended to forget about those the Lord takes special interest in; the poor, the widows and the orphans.
 
The same message is sent in Esther, after the Jews defeated Haman and their enemies in Babylon, and instituted the Feast of Purim. Mordecai instructed them to keep the feast; ‘As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day (holiday): that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions (presents) one to another, and gifts to the poor.’ (Esth.9:22)
 
But sadly, these days the poor are generally forgotten. Thanksgiving has become another big commercial day. It’s all about sales and money. As soon as Thanksgiving dinner is over, we now rush over to the stores to eagerly await Black Friday, when stuff is supposedly marked down tremendously.
 
Yes Friends, some stuff might be marked down, but others might also be marked up, because the merchants know that once you’re in the store for one cheap item, you’re more than likely to buy much more at higher mark-ups.
 
And the wild animal, leggo beast behaviour on display at these sales is truly disgusting. Many of us don’t even really need the stuff we line up for and rush and push to buy. But just because it’s on sale, we decide we must have it. That’s the kind of mentality the merchants have developed in us. Ah Lord eh!
 
And talking about the leggo beast behaviour, one woman claims she saw two other women fighting in a store over one object, while the security people stood around looking at them, no doubt in astonishment. Each woman had a hold on one end of the object, pulling and pushing and tugging and shouting angrily at each other.
 
And do you know what that must have object was? An electric toothbrush. Steups! 
 
And then after Black Friday comes Cyber Monday, another big sales day. Chuh! It’s all about merchandising these days!
 
Now even the Canadian merchants are getting involved in the nonsense as a way of stopping Canadians form going south to spend their money. Unfortunately, I don’t know how much good that is going to do nuh, because they say that even with the travel time and expense, the exchange rate and the border hassles, it’s still worthwhile to go south and shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Ah Lord eh!
 
Anyway Friends, enough of my whatever you choose to call it. I just hope that in all our business we remember the true purpose behind the holiday, and do give thanks to Almighty God for all that’s He’s done for us and provided us with.
 
Let’s also remember to share with the less fortunate, because that’s what Jesus is all about, and if we’re to be His true followers, we need to display the same empathy.
 
And we’ll end with some wise words from Cousin Sol on the topic. ‘I know that there is no good in them (nothing better for them), but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.’ (Eccl.3:12-13)
 
And that my brethren is gospel truth! So please let’s act accordingly and thus give Jesus a good Thanksgiving present. It’s heartfelt wisdom. Much LOVE!
 
…I’m giving thanks…for all I’ve got…I’m giving thanks…whether or not…I’m giving thanks…for the life in me…I’m giving thanks now…  (From the song ‘Giving Thanks’ by Beres Hammond)
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 October 2013 Deuteronomy 26:10

14 Oct 2013 Leave a comment

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

Deuteronomy 26:10.    And now, behold, I have brought the first fruits of the land, which thou, O Lord, hast given me. And thou shall set it before the Lord thy God, and worship before the Lord thy God.
 
 HAPPY THANKSGIVING  DAY CANADA!

And then it was Monday…!

But Monday with a twist Friends, because today, Canada, the BEST big country in the world is celebrating our Thanksgiving Day! Yes fellow believers, from the shores of Newfoundland and Labrador in the East, right across this great and wonderful land, through the granary that’s the Prairies, over the towering Rocky Mountains, down to the teeming waters of British Columbia in the West, we’re celebrating Thanksgiving Day!

Doing it in style too! (smile) We’re giving our majestic, magnificent and ever-LOVING God, thanks and praise for all the blessings and good things He’s rained down on us this past year! And He has indeed flooded us with His bountiful grace, LOVE, mercy, manna, and forgiveness every single day! 

And though there are still too many who are poor and needy, and also too many who are rich and greedy, overall, we’ve had a very good year. So let’s do, especially today, as Bruh Paul advised the Philippians: ‘Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice,’ (Phil.4:4) 

Yes my brethren, regardless of our circumstances, we ought to always rejoice in the Lord our God, for it is Him who cause us to have life, health and wealth! Now that means many Canadians won’t be going out to labour today, but in support of those who have to go and mind our 24/7 industries, let’s sing a loud and most joyful Monday Morning Battle Hymn, to get their adrenalin going. 

As one 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!’

Now it’s been a rainy Sunday in my area, so that might have caused any planned outdoor activities to be moved inside, but I very much doubt it dampened the proceedings in general. Let’s hope that today will be a perfect day, so that we can all celebrate in good spirits.

And I didn’t mean the liquid kind… (smile) well not too much of it anyway, for remember Granny’s warning; sober or inebriated, please mind your business, because it’s during times of celebration when it’s easiest for Beelzebub to get into our souls and lead us astray.

So let’s bring in our Bit: ‘And now, behold, I have brought the first fruits of the land, which thou, O Lord, hast given me. And thou shall set it before the Lord thy God, and worship before the Lord thy God.’

Yeh Friends this weekend was the time to bring our offerings to God, from the first fruits of our harvest, to show appreciation for all He’s done in making us prosperous.

It was God’s instructions to the children of Israel, to bring the first fruits of the harvest to the House of the Lord, to show their appreciation for His LOVING-kindness, for bringing them out of Egypt and installing them in the land of milk and honey, as well as to provide food for the priests and Levites who spent their time looking after the Lord’s affairs, and also to help feed the poor, the needy and the stranger. And it was to be done with a kind and grateful heart.

Then the Good Book instructs after our Bit: ‘And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you.’ (Deut.26:11) 

So Friends, Thanksgiving is meant to be both a time of grateful appreciation as well as celebration! You can read all about God’s instructions re the harvest in Deuteronomy 26. And I remember growing up in Tobago; Harvest Weekend was one of my favourite times. The church would be decorated with all the produce enabled by God’s divine mercy, then on Monday, all the stuff would be taken to the school to be sold.

Obviously there would be no classes, and a fine time would be had by all, checking out all the wonderful stuff. Oh, I was even lucky enough when I went to Tobago last year in late November, to be in time for the Harvest Sunday celebrations, and I enjoyed it tremendously.  

Anyway Friends, I know you all are busy people, either have to go to work, or go out and celebrate, (smile) so I’ll close with one passage of scripture that encourages constant thanksgiving. It comes from Psalm 95; a psalm of praise to the great God.

Listen with an open mind and thankful heart, as the psalmist most wisely declares: ‘O come, let us sing unto the Lord; let us make a joyful noise (shout joyfully) to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms (songs). For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.’ (Ps.95:1-3) 

Oh my brethren, those certainly are words of indisputable, gospel truth! And I hope all of us went to the House of the Lord this weekend and did exactly that, because it’s always a win, win situation: God is pleased, and we are refreshed and renewed. It doesn’t get any better than that my people. Much LOVE!

…we’re giving thanks…for all we’ve got…giving thanks…whether or not…giving thanks for the life in us…we’re giving thanks…yes, we’re giving thanks…  (Based on the song ‘Giving Thanks’ by Beres Hammond)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                  

Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 November 2012 Psalm 92:1

22 Nov 2012 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 92:1.      It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High.

HAPPY  THANKSGIVING  U. S. OF A!

Oh Friends, once again, from the porch of my cosy cottage at Store Bay, I’m writing these words of LOVE and thanks! And they couldn’t be more appropriate than on this Thanksgiving Day of 2012, being celebrated in the U.S. It will be pretty rough on the folks who are still suffering from the ravages of Hurricane Sandy, but America didn’t become the greatest nation ever by overmuch complaining and whining, but by being strong in the Lord when times got rough, and by sharing their bounty with the less fortunate. Let’s hope that that sort of godliness shows up in full force today, and that nobody suffers too much. In light of all that Friends, please offer up some heartfelt prayers for those unfortunate people today. But even with all the tragedy and disaster, there is still much to give thanks for; especially life, for wherever there is breath stirring in a body, then hope and expectation of godly blessing can also abound there. And talking about being thankful, I certainly have a lot to be thankful for. I guess I can start by being thankful for just my very presence in sweet Tobago, the land of my birth, from which I’ve been exiled for almost thirty years. Then yesterday, after writing the Bit, I went to a christening. It wasn’t a big do; just about a dozen of us having lunch at one of the swanky hotels on the island. I don’t even remember the name, Magdalena, or something like that, but the most important thing is the food was most excellent West Indian fare! It’s good to see the big hotels serving local food and not the imported European and North American nonsense. After that I was taken on a scenic tour of Scarborough and its environs. Brother, the city (smile) has changed up so much that I passed a couple of areas where I lived and couldn’t even recognize them! But that’s to be expected with the passing of time. What hasn’t changed though is the ‘White House.’ Ah Friends, that was the scene of many memorable memories during my High School days. Harry, the owner, and I sat down on the back steps looking out at the lush valley and hillside that rose from it, with the steel towers and masts of the island’s communications system rising high in the distant sky. We obviously recalled the numerous occasions on which we sat there in our young, unencumbered days. Yes people, we did have some fun times in the ‘White House’, drinking, smoking cigarettes and playing cards, when we should have been studying. That’s why it’s ever so important to make good memories that you can later look back on with a smile or a chuckle, and not a frown or anger. For as the man so rightly says in the song: ‘Memories don’t leave like people do. They always stay with you.’ And who wants ugly or hurting memories eh! Now after touring the big city of Scarborough (smile) I got home about dusk, then went for a dip in Store Bay. And was it ever beautiful! The sun had just gone down, leaving a few golden flecks of colour in the white clouds on the distant horizon. Meanwhile, in the bay itself, a number of boats of varying sizes and styles were quietly anchored off shore, and the lights of the hotel pavilions on both sides sprinkled the area. There weren’t many people on the beach or in the calm water, so it was pretty quiet. The best part though is that soon after I got in the water, I lay floating on my back, in a cross-like position, looked up to the heavens, where a half moon was shining and gave thanks for the multitude of blessings that the Lord was showering down on me. Oh mih people, that was such a beautiful, peaceful, calming experience! An excellent memory to contemplate on later in life. But here comes the horror show. I went to bed early, about 9 p.m, because I was tired. Sometime during the night, I got up to go to the bathroom, but lo and behold when I finally found the light switch and flicked it on, the place remained in total darkness. Steups! After looking around for a few moments, I then realized that the power had gone, for even the street lights were out too. Can you imagine how my bladder was bursting, while trying to find my way in the dark! However, through the Lord’s kindness and mercy, I got through the ordeal without any accidents. But I couldn’t sleep after that. At one stage, wanting to know the time, I got up and fiddled my way to the living room to get my cell phone. It said 2.40. There was nothing else to do but lie back down and try to fall asleep, which I did. Then some time later, I got up again, swung my legs off the bed and reached for my cell phone, but just then the lights came back on. I obviously sent up a most grateful ‘Thank You Lord!’ It was then about 4.40, so instead of going back to bed, I got up and made some java, came outside on the porch, listened to the dogs barking, the roosters crowing, and the birds singing their songs of thanks and praise to their heavenly creator. Oh Friends, it’s a crying shame that those supposed dumb animals are continuously giving thanks and praise to God, while we, His supposed most blessed and important creation, find it so difficult, and even worse, give the little we do, in such a begrudging manner, as though the Lord is lucky and should be thankful for our pittance of thanks. That’s absolutely wrong my brethren. It should be as our Bit so rightly declares: ‘It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High: To show forth (declare) thy LOVING-kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery (lute or lyre); and upon the harp with a solemn (harmonious or melodic) sound. For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the work of thy hands.’ (Ps.92:1-4) That’s as it should be Friends! And we’ll close with one more reminder that thanksgiving is ever so important. ‘Praise ye the Lord (shout Hallelujah): for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely (beautiful).’ (Ps.147:1) Gospel truth if there was ever any! And that’s my spiel for today Friends! I hope it brings a smile to your face and the LOVE of God ever deeper into your hearts and minds, thus enabling you to stand strong in the Lord, giving plenty thanks for all that you are and have. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen. Much LOVE, my people!…believers should give thanks…at ALL TIMES…be the times…good, bad or indifferent…

 

 

Next Newer Entries