Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 September 2015 2 Corinthians 5:20

09 Sep 2015 Leave a comment

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

2 Corinthians 5:20.   Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray (implore) you, in Christ’s stead (behalf), be ye reconciled to God.

Well Friends, it looks like it’s going to be a warm, wet and windy Wednesday in my area. The wet has not begun as yet, but the skies are dark and the wind is getting itself together. (smile) 

However, as children of God, we just have to keep moving right along as best we can. And to encourage us, let’s wail our Wednesday Wail nuh, with all sincerity and truth. 

As one now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. 

My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’ 

And so it should be my brethren! Our eyes ought to be steadfastly focused on our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and not on the world and the evil involved thereof! For as Jesus prayed the Father when His time was nigh, re His disciples and eventually us: ‘I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil (one).’ (John 17:16) 

Yes Friends, Jesus wanted us to be in the world, but not be a part of the world, so that we could minister to the evil world around us. Unfortunately though, too many of us believers have been caught up in the world and all its ungodly and unrighteous activities, like steadfastly seeking  its material wealth and riches, instead of the righteousness of the kingdom of God. 

Oh my people, we need to remember that we’ve been placed here to convert the heathen, not to be converted by them. And our Bit so clearly reminds us of our earthly purpose and duty. ‘Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray (implore) you, in Christ’s stead (behalf), be ye reconciled to God.’ 

Yes my brethren, we have been charged with the most worthy job of being an ambassador for Christ here on earth, and that post, like any other earthly ambassadorial position, carries very significant and important duties. 

Now an ambassador is the representative of one country to another, and as such there are certain rules he must follow very closely. The first thing an ambassador of an earthly state does, is confer with his boss about his role and responsibility, what he can and cannot do, both pertaining to the rules and regulations of his country as well as that of the one to which he is been posted. 

And as ambassadors of Christ, we believers need to do the same thing, confer with our leader, God Almighty, through prayer, His Word and consultation with fellow Christians. Before we can begin our ambassadorial jobs we need to know what we can and cannot do. 

That means we need to be well versed in the things of God, so that we can go out into the evil, ungodly world and minister on Christ’s behalf, take His wonderful message, the good news of the gospel, of salvation and eternal life to the unbelievers. And we can only do that properly if we stay focused on, and in close communication with our heavenly Father, be led and guided by His Holy Spirit. 

The same way an earthly ambassador needs to be above reproach while living in another country, so we ambassadors of Christ also need to be above reproach in this tumultuous world. Note too, praying for each other is a very important part of our work. 

As Bruh Paul told the Ephesians re putting on the armour of God: ‘Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery (hidden truth) of the gospel. For which I am an ambassador in bonds (chains): that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.’ (Eph.6:18-20) 

Yes Friends, prayer is always necessary. In fact it’s indispensable in a believer’s life. Even the wonderful and protective armour of God is useless if prayer doesn’t accompany it. We see Bruh Paul imploring the church at Ephesus to pray for him, even though he was greatly imbued with Christ’s Spirit, that he might boldly and confidently speak the truth of Christ to the heathen. 

And if Bruh Paul needed prayer to help him perform his duties, how much more do we need it eh? Ah mih breddren, that is what fellowship is about; edifying, uplifting, encouraging and praying for the saints of Jesus, so that we can do our job with excellence and thus glorify God here on earth. 

Now let’s look at a few scriptures that enlighten us re our ambassadorial role in Christ Jesus. First up are Cousin Sol’s wise words from Proverbs. ‘A wicked messenger falleth into mischief (trouble): but a faithful ambassador is (brings) health.’ (Prov.13:17) And we all know that that’s no lie, as we see and read everyday in this confused and evil world. 

And Bruh Paul told the church at Rome in no uncertain manner. ‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.’ (Rom.12:2) 

Yes Friends, we are to seriously and sincerely resist becoming like the world, adopting its values and systems, and continually seek and search for the will of God, so that we can be worthwhile ambassadors in His name. 

And we’ll close with more words of godly wisdom from Cousin Sol. ‘As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.’ (Prov.25:13) 

Oh my people, my people, doesn’t that speak volumes to us? It ought to. That’s why today I’m imploring us to do whatever it takes to be faithful messengers of Christ, so that we can refresh His soul, put a smile on His face, and warm the cockles of His sacrificial heart. That’s not only heavenly wisdom, but also our bounden duty! Much LOVE!

…to represent Jesus properly…we need to know Him intimately…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 August 2015 Ephesians 5:10.‏‏

20 Aug 2015 Leave a comment

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

Ephesians 5:10.   Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

Well Friends, welcome to a wet and windy Thursday morning. Yes the blessings from heaven eventually fell last night. And it sure was a good shower, for it wet up most of my front porch so that when I went out to commune with nature and release the day’s stress, I wasn’t able to sit in my favourite chair by the steps, but had to sit in the one by the door. 

And would you believe that habits are such strange things, that although the seats weren’t that far apart, it just never felt right. (smile) Oh I did sit and relax, but it just didn’t feel the same as in the other chair. We humans are such a piddling lot eh. (smile) 

Anyway. Here’s an interesting prayer from Gramps Schuller (Dr. Robert H. Schuller) from the Hour of Power Devotional. It’s titled ‘TO FACE DIFFICULTIES.’  

Please pray with me. ‘Truly, Father, all things work together for good to those who LOVE you. Thank you for the difficulties that produce divine dividends. I know that pain is only a phase of the growing process: that seed buried alive under suffocating ground in a windowless grave agonizes before it ruptures into new life. 

I know that I build hard muscles in heart, mind, and body only when I lift heavy loads. I thank you for tough times that produce calluses that could save my spirit from softness that would be weakness. There have been times, O Lord, when only through great difficulty have I learned the valuable lessons. 

I was too blind to see, too arrogant to believe, or too stubborn to accept any other way than by a bed of pain. I praise you for the times an open door slammed in my face and forced me out of an old rut that I never would have had the courage to leave, and led me down the road to a beautiful new life.

I thank you for heartbreak which causes me to bury the hatchet and speak again to someone with whom I had for far too long been out of touch. Thank you, Father, for life’s priceless times of fruitful difficulty. Amen.’ 

Ah my fellow believers, all of that is oh so true! Obviously we don’t like difficulties and pain, but it is in those times of adversity that we actually grow and mature in Christ. It’s the tough times that make us tough. But we have to be big enough and wise enough to realize it, then accept it and deal with it in a serious and sensible manner. 

If you don’t believe me, then look back at some of the rough times in your lives and see how your spirit seemed stronger and more mature after them. Every time we go through adversity, we come out stronger and more faithful on the other side. So let’s not look at difficulties as setbacks, but rather as opportunities to expand our horizons, obviously with God by our side. 

Now let’s look at our Bit. ‘Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.’ 

Yeh Friends, in all our doings we need to consider what is and what is not acceptable to our wonderful God. Once we’re born again, we become children of light, the bright and shining light that’s Jesus, so we cannot afford to be involved in anything that has to do with sin and darkness. 

Listen to how Bruh Paul puts it to the Romans. ‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (rational) service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’ (Rom.12:1-2) 

Now here are some explanations by the scholars. ’12:1. By the mercies of God summarizes all that God has accomplished for the believer in Romans 1-11 in justifying the believer (chs.1-5), enabling the believer to live a righteous life (chs.6-8), and being faithful to Israel (chs.9-11). 

That ye present refers to a definite act of presentation. The verb is used of offering a sacrifice that became “holy” under the Levitical system (cf. Ex.29:37). This shows that the Christian life begins with total commitment and irrevocable presentation. 

Your bodies: The body has been the instrument of sin (ch.6). Now it is to be presented to God as a channel through which the righteousness of God is manifested.’ 

’12:2. Be not conformed (lit. “stop conforming yourselves”). They are to resist being poured into the mould of the present thinking, value systems, and conduct of this world. This term is used only here and in 1 Peter 1:14).’ 

Oh Friends, it all still pertains to us. But unfortunately, too many of us are still conforming to the world. Remember Jesus said ‘Ye cannot serve God and mammon.’ (Matt.6:24) That means we cannot serve two masters at the same time; God and the riches or material possessions of this ungodly world. 

Now here is some more pertinent info from the scholars re Dedication to the Will of God. ’12:1-2. God’s will refers to His purpose for the life of the believer. It implies His guidance or direction in all of life’s decisions. Dedication is an act of surrender or submission to His will for our lives whereby we become a “living sacrifice.” Daily dependence on God results in our transformation into the image of Christ. 

Illustration: When we seek to discern the will of God we must also be committed to doing the will of God as it is revealed in the Word of God. (John 7:17) 

Application: The believer should evaluate every decision on the basis of biblical principles, knowing that obedience brings God’s blessing. (First Ref. Gen.22:12; Primary Ref. Rom.12:1).’ 

There we have it Friends; lots of stuff to ponder on this Thursday morning. Hope it helps us stay in faith and obedience to Almighty God, the way we ought to. But it can’t unless we study it, then put it into practice. That’s where the real results, the true fruits show. Much LOVE!

…as true believers in Christ…we must not only talk the talk…but even more importantly…we must walk the walk…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 July 2015 James 1:19

21 Jul 2015 Leave a comment

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

James 1:19.     Wherefore my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. 

Ahoy there mih beauties! How goes it this cloudy Tuesday morning in the summer of 2015 eh?

Hope things are good, and even if they are not so hot, that yet still we’re up and about the Lord’s business, and have praised and thanked Him for bringing us safely through another dark night into the bright light of Jesus, our most esteemed Lord and Saviour. For He is indeed the ONLY way to true peace, joy and truth!
 
And that’s not simply hearsay, but an acknowledged fact! Without Him working in our lives, we’re like lost and forlorn sheep, easy prey for the wild animals of this world, namely the evil minions of Lucifer.
 
And that we cannot afford to let happen, so please let’s get serious with Jesus and allow Him to guide us safely along the straight and narrow path that leads to life eternal.
 
Now here’s a rather interesting, but also very pertinent excerpt from the One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. When I read it yesterday, I had no doubts whatsoever that I needed to share it with my Scrip-Bit family, because it’s oh so relevant to these days and times. It’s titled ‘A Quiet Tongue!’
 
Please repeat with me. ‘Lord, a revealing fact Began to surface today: I talk more than I listen. I seem to be thoroughly convinced That my ideas My inspiring experiences My bits of wisdom Are exactly what my friends need. Too often I break into conversations Confident that my enlightened insight Will solve the predicament – Whatever it is.
 
Obviously, I feel more comfortable When I’m expounding. But this morning at a Bible study I cringed when I read your command In the first chapter of James: “Don’t ever forget That it is best to listen much Speak little, and not become angry.”
 
At first I wanted to run. But as the words kept battering away At my guilty heart I finally circled them with red ink. Now, Lord, please help me to obey them. Remind me daily, hourly That listening is a discipline And a discipline always costs. I know I must pay a price. The price for me Is a listening ear and a quiet tongue.’
 
Oh glory to God my people! That paints such a true picture of so many of us that it’s unreal. Most of us talk too much and don’t listen sufficiently. I know I’m a guilty party. The Lord dealt with me about that a couple years ago when at the Holy Thursday night vigil His simple message to me was ‘LISTEN!’
 
And I have indeed been doing better since then. But as Sister Joyce (Joyce Meyer) would say: I haven’t arrived as yet. I still have a ways to go. But look at where I’m coming from!
 
Yes Friends, the important thing to do is to make a start, which is usually the hardest part, and as the Chinese Proverb says: The longest journey begins with the first step. Yes my brethren, beginning is half done.
 
But please remember too as it says in the poem, it takes discipline to listen more than we talk, and a very strict discipline too, if we really want to be successful at it.
 
That reminds me of the saying that the Lord gave us two ears and one mouth so that we can listen more than we talk. And isn’t that the gospel truth! (smile) And especially in this modern talkative society, we do need lots of will power to refrain from talking too much. I think it’s a deep-seated malady in this age of almost instantaneous and far-reaching communication.
 
And the Bible Promise for that most meaningful poem is also our Bit for today. James’ famous words: ‘Wherefore my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. For the wrath of man worketh not (does not produce) the righteousness of God.’ (James 1:19-20)
 
Ah Friends, words of indisputable truth! And the scholars offer us this info on those verses. ‘1:19. This is a key verse because it expresses three topics that James develops later: hearing, verses 19-27; speaking, 3:1-12; and wrath, 4:1-12.’
 
‘1:20. Trials require silence and patience because talk inflames anger, and anger inflames talk. Anger also distracts from listening to God.’
 
And is that all ever so true my believing brethren! Talk and anger just inflame each other like nothing else in this world! And all of that tends to lead to violence if they continue for any length of time.
 
Now this subject of talking and listening is so important in a believer’s life that it is dealt with in several parts of the Good Book. Cousin Sol in particular touched on it several times in his writings. Let’s look at a couple of them. First off this from Proverbs 10: ‘In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth (restrains) his lips is wise.’ (Prov.10:19)
 
And he backs that up with this gem from Proverbs 17. ‘He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent (calm) spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace (keeps silent) is counted (considered) wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.’ (Prov.17:27-28) 
 
Oh Friends, that is all so true that it’s amusing! Though we might be the biggest fool and least knowledgeable person on the planet, we will most likely be considered wise and understanding if we keep our mouths shut. Glory Hallelujah!
 
So let us each diligently ponder today where we are on that continuum of listening and talking nuh, and then make a serious decision to improve, for we all have room for improvement, just some more than others, and with God’s help, let’s come up above this important problem.
 
Now may the grace, peace, mercy, forgiveness and LOVE of God be with us all this blessed day! Much LOVE!
 
…if we follow the sure leading of the Holy Ghost…our words will be few and wise…

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 September 2013 Habakkuk 2:4

12 Sep 2013 Leave a comment

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

Habakkuk 2:4.   Behold, his soul which is lifted up (proud) is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. 

 
Oh Friends, another God-sent day is on the horizon. But whether it’s going to be hot and sunny, like the past two days, or cold and rainy, I can’t tell you, because I’ve seen two different forecasts in the last few hours. Around 10 p.m. last night, it said 31 degrees and rain, but at 2.30 this morning, it’s saying 24 and sunshine, and that’s after rain, thunder and lightning last night. So you go figure nuh!
 
The weather forecaster’s job right now is one of the most unpredictable in the world. But my brethren, regardless of what happens with the weather, believers in Jesus will stand strong, steadfast and upright because of their enduring faith, as our Bit so wisely declares: ‘Behold, his soul which is lifted up (proud) is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.’ 
 
And I guess you’re wondering why there’s no wandering preamble? Well I have plenty stuff to share, and I want to get it all in today, while keeping the Bit at a reasonable length. So right away, let’s get to some scholarly explanations re our Bit.
 
‘2:4. Two classes of people are contrasted (1) the proud, haughty Chaldeans who will be the victors in the forthcoming conflict; and (2) the righteous ones of Judah who will appear to be defeated in the forthcoming conflict, but in reality will be the victors because of their faith in the Lord.
 
The just shall live by his faith is often quoted in the New Testament in support of the doctrine of justification by faith. (See Rom.1:17; Gal.3:11; Heb.10:38) Thus, this Old Testament prophecy anticipates the New Testament gospel which shall ultimately conquer the nations and bring them to Christ.’
 
And that’s exactly what the New testament Gospel has been doing Friends; conquering both individuals and nations and having them kneel at Christ’s footstool in true repentance to receive His ultimate gifts of salvation and eternal life! What can be more pleasing to our heavenly Father eh? Nothing, except for the whole, entire earth to believe and receive salvation, not losing a single soul to the enemy Beelzebub!
 
But just remember my fellow believers, that our most important job here on earth, our bounden duty, is to help bring those lost souls to Jesus. So if we don’t do right, that’s LOVE God, LIVE our Faith, and SPREAD His Word, then we’re part of the problem and not of the solution.
 
Oh, and by the way, I hope you all checked out the reference from yesterday, Daniel 5:30-31, where Habakkuk’s prophecy came through in the middle of the night. Belshazzar, the Chaldean king was slain and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom.
 
And today’s certainly your lucky day Friends, sorry blessed day (smile) because I’ve planned to quote all the scriptures the scholars referenced above, including this one from John.
 
 ‘The Father LOVETH the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 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 3:35-36)
 
Yes my people, those who don’t believe in the light and life of the Son, darkness, death and destruction will continue to dog them forever. And as Bruh Paul said to the Roman church, when he talked about the power of the gospel and the guilt of mankind.
 
‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.’ (Rom.1:16-18)
 
Ah mih breddren, the gospel of Christ is so powerful that it can propel you from the very demonic gates of sin, death and Hades right to the golden arches of heaven, through salvation, so you can enjoy life eternal.
 
Wow! I say it every day: what a mighty and LOVING God we serve my people! Everyday we should just be falling all over ourselves to live for Him, to give Him the thanks and praise He so worthily deserves!
 
But instead we foolishly resist His entreaties and advances, push Him aside, and live with hate, bitterness, anger and revenge as the prominent emotions in our lives, rather than those of Peace, LOVE, Mercy and Forgiveness which flow from Him.
 
And then we wonder why life is so rough. Hn! The answer is so simple; we’ve turned away from Almighty God. We no longer obey His commandments, so how do we expect to receive His blessings and LOVING-kindness eh?
 
Oh Friends, I think I have to change my plans here yes, because I’ve just seen some explanations from the scholars re the last two verses above, which I believe will help us understand those scriptures better, so here goes.
 
‘1:17. Righteousness, God’s essential attribute is revealed. It is not man’s invention; it is God’s revelation. Left to himself, man would never have thought of it. From faith to faith: It’s source and end are the same. To those who possess God’s righteousness Paul pronounces, The just shall live by faith. What one believes does make a difference. If he believes the gospel he has life (union with God); otherwise he has death (separation from God).
 
1:18. The wrath is not the revelation of a future judgement of God or of the Great Tribulation, but a present revelation that parallels the present revelation of God’s righteousness (cf.1:17). This revelation comes from heaven.
 
Ungodliness is failure in the religious realm. Unrighteousness is failure in the moral sphere or injustice toward man. Who hold (lit. “hold down,” “suppress”) the truth in unrighteousness. They received the truth concerning the wrath of God but hindered it and prevented it from completing its work.’
 
Oh my fellow believers, I do hope that brings a clearer understanding of those scriptures. So we’ll end there, and if God’s willing, will continue this topic tomorrow, for we all know that the best laid plans of mice and men usually go astray, (smile) and it’s the Lord’s plan that carries the day.
 
Till we meet tomorrow then, may we walk in the sunshine of God’s countenance, may peace and LOVE guide our footsteps as we continue looking to Jesus for strength and faith to face this evil, ungodly world. Much LOVE!
 
…if you don’t believe in Jesus…then you’ll pay the price…just like Lucifer is doing…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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