Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 April 2020 Psalm 127:1.

16 Apr 2020 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 127:1.    ​Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep (guards) the city, the watchman waketh but (stays awake) in vain.
 
Well hello there you beautiful believers in Christ Jesus! It’s another beautiful sunshiny day in my neighbourhood, and I hope it’s like that in yours too. But the important thing is that we’re alive and kicking, our names have not been featured in today’s obituaries, so there are overwhelming reasons to be in a joyful mood and give sincere thanks for our amazing situation in Christ! So let’s do just that nuh, let’s offer up a li’l thanks and praise to our wonderful Father on high, using these words of Cousin Sol, taken from Psalm 72, one of the only two Psalms he apparently wrote. The other is Psalm 127. 

So please pray with me: ‘His (God’s) name  shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen, and Amen.’ (Ps. 72:17-19) And that’s exactly what our world needs right now my people; for the Lord’s name to fill it with sincere songs of praise and glory, because that is the ONLY thing that will get us through these disastrous times that we’re now facing. 

And as Cousin Sol said so definitively in his other psalm – The need for relying on God. ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep (guards) the city, the watchman waketh but (stays awake) in vain.’ And isn’t that the gospel truth friends! Unless the Lord God Jehovah occupies a prime spot in our lives and our society, our efforts to grow and improve will NEVER amount to what it could be under His guidance and tutelage! 

And that’s a major reason why our society and our world is in such a calamitous state; we have not considered the Lord in our doings, but instead have tried – in vain obviously – to remove Him and His Word from amongst us. But friends, we obviously have not learned from history, where it shows that EVERY nation that turned away from the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, or tried to eradicate Him, suffered serious disaster and tribulation until they returned to His fold. The nation of Israel being the number one deviant. (smile) 

Oh my people, when will we wake up and see the light eh? When will we truly acknowledge in our hearts and souls that the Lord God of Israel is our Maker and Controller, and until we bow down to Him in sincere repentance and worship, our lives, and those of our children’s children won’t run smoothly. And it’s obvious too that we have not been paying serious attention to Cousin Sol’s words found in Proverbs. 

‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct (make smooth) thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel (body), and marrow (strength) to thy bones. Honour the Lord with thy substance (possessions), and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses (vats) shall burst out with new wine.’ (Prov. 3:5-10) 

Now that’s how a people, a society, a nation, a world ought to behave if it wants to succeed and prosper! But unfortunately, the majority of our people, societies, nations and world have not been following those wise words of advice. We haven’t trusted sincerely in the Lord, nor acknowledged Him, but instead have leaned heavily on our own understanding, unwisely removing His commandments from schools and public places, no wonder our paths have been rocky, and right now calamitous! 

We’ve foolishly chosen to be wise in our own eyes, and have not feared or reverenced the Lord, nor departed from evil. In fact, evil has blatantly increased, and is even being called good in these malicious and sinful times.  Neither have we honoured the Lord with our possessions and first fruits, no wonder our economies are suffering so much degradation. Oh friends, it’s not too late for us to turn this thing around, but we have to be sincere and work hard at it and truly believe in God’s sustaining power as the psalmist wrote about it. 

‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills (mountains), from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved (slip): he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve (keep) thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.’ (Ps. 121:1-8) 

Yes people, that was true way back then, but it’s also true right now, for the Lord our God does not change! So if we want to experience His goodness and mercy, then we are the ones who have to change! Simple maths – like one and one equals two! So let’s wake up nuh people, the signs are all over the place; the Lord is tired with our sinful and evil ways. Yes, He is long-suffering, but that doesn’t mean He will tolerate our foolishness, our insolent rebellion forever! So let’s be wise and get it together nuh, realize where our bread is buttered, turn back to the Most High God, Creator and Controller of this magnificent universe! That’s the ultimate in wisdom. 

Now let’s go home declaring (yeahh!) our Thursday Blessings, which He’s so generously given us to work with on His behalf. 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 next move is for us to generously put it all to work in His name. Much LOVE!

…for other foundation…can no man lay…than that is laid…which is Jesus Christ…  (1 Cor. 3:11)

Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 August 2018 Psalm 127:1.

14 Aug 2018 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 127:1.    Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep (guards) the city, the watchman waketh but in vain (stays awake in vain).

‘Oh what a beautiful morning! Oh what a beautiful day! Oh what a beautiful morning! Everything’s going my way!’ Ah friends, I know that life is not always like a bunch of sweet smelling roses or sweet tasting cherries, but the important thing to realize is that we’re alive, and once we’re alive, there is hope that things can improve, especially if we’re true believers in Jesus Christ! Glory be mih people! 

There’s no better or greater avenue to live this earthly life than as followers of Jesus! Jesus has been so good to us, I don’t see how we can even think of not believing in Him, or rebelling against him. That’s utter madness! How else would we get atonement for our sins and a chance to spend eternal life with the Father in heaven eh, for there’s no other way to do that than through Him? 

And our Bit spells that out in spades. ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep (guards) the city, the watchman waketh but in vain (stays awake in vain).’ And whether you believe it or not, that’s gospel truth! 

Hear how the psalmist continues as he strongly advises the need of relying on God. ‘It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late. To eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.’ (Ps.127:2) Yeh friends, when your life is aligned with God’s you don’t have to stress and strain to make a living, and the Lord gives you restful sleep. 

And not only that, as the psalmist further details: ‘Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is their reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man (warrior); so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.’ (Ps.127:3-5) 

Wow mih breddren! Yuh see how the Lord looks after us when we’re obedient to Him? Amongst other things, He gives us, or better yet, blesses us with lovely children, who stand up for us against our enemies and keeps our house going strong and prosperous! 

And the scholars offer this wonderful explanation of the psalm. ‘Psalm 127. The principle of this psalm is that all human efforts are in vain unless they have God’s blessing. This principle is applied to four areas: building a house (v.1a), guarding a city (v.1b), working long hours (v.2), and having children (vs.3-5). 

It is possible to accomplish all of these things without God’s blessing, but it is not possible to accomplish them purposefully and with eternal value without God’s blessing. The psalm includes, incidentally, two practical reasons for having children: they bring you joy, and they protect you. (v.5).’ 

Now what more can I say eh, except to shout out to my children: ‘Aye mih children, you certainly bring the ole fella joy! That’s for sure! But are you all going to protect me in the gate from the enemy? I’m sure you all will!’ (smile) And thus I can give out a big ‘Thank You and Praise Your Holy Name and Glory Hallelujah to Almighty God because my children will look after me in my old age!’ 

Ah friends, we are indeed blessed when we have children who will honour and protect us in times of need, and I have to acknowledge that my children do so. They’re not perfect, but if I want for anything, they do their best to help me. That’s all I can ask. 

Unfortunately, a lot of parents aren’t so blessed. Why? I don’t know. But as they say, you make the children, but you don’t make their minds. And Cousin Sol proffers a very important lesson: ‘Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old (mature) he will not depart from it.’ (Prov.22:6). 

Now that’s generally the case, but I’ve seen children raised in the fear of the Lord, who turn right around and follow Beelzebub. So what’s a parent do eh? Not much but pray and do their earthly best. The important thing though my faithful brethren is that we make room for God in ALL of our daily doings, for without Him in our lives we will not be as successful as we can be with Him in them. 

That’s simply indisputable truth! So please, let’s take that same wisdom we try to put into our children’s heads and use it for our benefit. It’s the only thing that makes sense. 

Now let’s go home declaring that wisdom for all and sundry to hear, in our Tuesday Mantra, letting the world know in no uncertain terms, who and whose we are. All together now: ‘I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world.  Amen!’ 

And if we were truly sincere in that prayer, then we now have to go out and action it, like Jesus desires of us. Much LOVE!

…examples speak louder than words…so to make a real difference…our lives have to speak very loudly…

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 August 2018 Psalm 127:1.

13 Aug 2018 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 127:1.    Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep (guards) the city, the watchman waketh but in vain (stays awake in vain).

And as the summer season of 2018 winds down, so do the long weekends and short work weeks. We only have Labour Day and Thanksgiving to look forward to before Christmas. That means we’ll be really earning our pay, on the road five days a week, facing the stressful traffic jams morning and evening. 

Yuh know, every time I get caught up in one of those highway parking lot scenes, I can’t help but think of the great amount of money and productive time our society loses with so many of us just sitting in our cars, literally crawling to work or home. And these traffic jams are getting worse instead of better because more cars are coming on the road than are being taken off. 

Now I don’t claim to know how to fix the problem, but I think it’s something we should seriously look at because it would be of the utmost benefit to our society, greatly reducing the stress, tiredness, sickness and low productivity we now suffer because of the gridlock on the roads. But until some bright mind comes up with a solution to the problem, we’ll just have to grin and endure it my brethren. 

Remember too that Jesus is always in our cars, right beside us, so we can just have easy conversation with Him, while we listen to some inspiring music and not let the endless traffic back-up spoil our day. You can’t get a better co-pilot and conversationalist than Jesus! 

Now for those of us who find it difficult to get going on a Monday morning, we have the sure antidote for that negative state of affairs. It’s called our Monday Morning Battle Hymn; a powerful, sincere and heartfelt cry to our heavenly Father. So let’s sing it and raise our spirit level nuh…with plenty positive expectation and chutzpah to match. (smile) 

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!’ 

Yay friends! I can see the effect already. A light has gone on in our eyes, and our movements are more sprightly and positive, and we’re humming a happy tune! Wow! Please, let’s keep up that affirmative attitude as we go out today and talk about Jesus, as well as exemplify Him in our behaviour. That’s all He asks of us.  

That brings us to our Bit. ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep (guards) the city, the watchman waketh but in vain (stays awake in vain).’ 

And that my people is truth to the nth degree, undeniable truth! If the Lord isn’t involved in building whatever we’re building; a house, a business, our spiritual walk, you name it, then it will not be built properly, and/or it will not last. That’s because our great God must be the foundation stone in ALL we do for it to stand strong and prosper. 

Remember He is the One who enables us to get wealth, the One who strengthens us so that we can do ALL things. ALL things are possible with Him, and without Him we can do nothing much in our own strength. Even when we’re watching for the enemy to attack during the night, if we’re not watching with the Lord as our companion, guide and chief scout, the enemy will be upon us before we even know it. 

Remember Jesus parable about the houses built on rock and on sand? (Matt.7:24-27) Only the one built on the rock will withstand the storms of time, because it’s built on a foundation that’s God! Ah friends, such is the way of the universe! That’s how it’s Creator created it and though we have free choice to do as we please, we’d be wise to do as the Creator planned. 

And we’ll finish there for today because what I still have to say would make it way too long. And let me apologize for the Bit being this late, but as I was writing it earlier on, I began falling asleep on myself, (smile) so the only solution was to get some sleep. The ole bod was definitely not its usual self this morning. 

So till we meet again on the morrow, God willing of course, please have a bright, blessed and prosperous day! And remember both God and I LOVE you very much! Much LOVE!

…nothing built on a weak foundation lasts…especially our lives… 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 May 2017 Psalm 127:1.

05 May 2017 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 127:1.   Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep (guards) the city, the watchman waketh (stays awake) but in vain.

And it was mid-afternoon…and the rains came… And then it was morning…and the rains are still coming… 

Yes friends, showers of blessings have been inundating us for the last 15 or 16 hours! And they are still coming down…thankfully not the pouring down kind, but more a steady drizzle. Hn! 

And as the Lord would have it, the ole fella has to go into Toronto for some tests today. Chuh! But I can’t afford to miss today’s appointment, because I postponed them over a month ago, on the day that our area had its last serious snowfall. 

And just to make life even more difficult, the two main exit ramps to the city off the southern highway have been broken down to build something supposedly new and better. It was bad enough before, but now you can imagine the horrendous traffic situation to get into downtown Toronto. 

And to add to the mix, the hospital I’m going to, have shut down at least a quarter of their underground parking spots for some repair work. The other day I had to drive around the area twice before I could find an empty spot. 

But yuh know what, the ole fella will just leave a little earlier, and with Jesus as my travelling companion, and fail-safe guide, we’ll just mosey into T.O as calmly as ever. With Jesus riding shotgun in my chariot, I know we’ll get there safely, on time, and everything will be all right! Praise His Holy Name! 

And along the way, we’ll certainly hear the workingman joyfully declaring: ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday oui! The weekend is ours to do as we please! And though it raining cats and dogs, that’s not going to stop us from partying hearty over the next couple of days! Yuh better believe we should all thank God for Fridays and the weekends!’ 

As usual, an interesting take on things, but not a very good one. Our Friday Chant makes a much wiser declaration, so let’s declare it now nuh. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. 

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

Now that makes much more sense, by giving us a modicum of circumspection and a level playing field to work with. And that brings us to today’s rather interesting and oh so appropriate Bit.

‘Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep (guards) the city, the watchman waketh (stays awake) but in vain.’  

And I daresay that there’s a lot of truth in that statement, judging by the serious expanse of, and concern with security in our society during the last two decades, but nonetheless the massive explosion of all kinds of fraud and treachery. Who’s guarding the guard eh? 

Ah mih people, I don’t know when we will wake up and fully and truly realize that only in godliness and righteousness will our society ever have some stability and safety. Only when the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is our true protector will our way of life be stable and strong. 

Now hear some scripture from Psalm 121 –God’s sustaining power, which tells it like it surely is. ‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills (mountains), from when cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved (slip): he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 

Behold he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper (protector): the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 

The Lord shall preserve (keep) thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.’ (Ps.121:1-8) 

Yes my brethren, that’s what the Lord does for those who are obedient to his law and live faithfully and righteously in His name! 

As our Bit says, without Him working on our behalf, all our efforts are in vain. And until we sincerely realize that and repent and return to faithfully serving Almighty God as a just and true society, our lives will continue to be in everlasting turmoil. 

Ah mih people, like the psalmist, when he looked up at his mountains and wondered where his help to fight them would come from, so can we look at the mountains in our lives, and confidently declare: ‘My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.’ 

And that’s indisputable, gospel truth my brethren! So let’s stand strong and steadfast on it nuh, as wisdom and faith in God dictates. Much LOVE!

…to whom shall we cry out for help…not Ghostbusters…but to the Lord God Almighty…