Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 December 2020 Psalm 60:12.

30 Dec 2020 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 60:12.     ​’Through God we shall do valiantly, for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.’

Well it’s another snowy morning, this eve of New Year’s Eve Wednesday! And like Mother Nature is all about making her mark this crazy year of 2020, for it’s a long time since we’ve seen so much snow in such a short period of time. And as long as I don’t have to go out in it, I just LOVE to see the place sparkling white and virginal when I get up in the morning. (smile) Ah friends, we might as well be joyful in whatever circumstances we find ourselves yes, because being unhappy and miserable won’t make them any better, just worse. 

And remember we have Jesus…JESUS, that magnificent Lord and Saviour always with us through His indwelling Holy Spirit, so there’s NOTHING we can’t handle when we include Him in our daily journey. Oh praise be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, for all the wonderful things they’ve done, are doing, and have promised to do for us! Without them continually in our lives we’d be so lost and lonely, it wouldn’t be funny. How else would Bruh David be able to truthfully write: ‘Give us help from trouble: for vain (futile) is the help of man.’ (Ps. 60:11) 

And then in the very next verse assuredly proclaim: ‘Through God we shall do valiantly, for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.’ (Ps. 60:12) And yuh better believe that is ONLY Almighty God who is able and also willing to tread down our enemies if we place our sincere trust and faith in Him! And then hear Bruh David in Psalm 61 nuh: ‘Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed…’ (Ps. 61:1-2a) 

Oh mih people, so many of our hearts are so totally overwhelmed today, but we refuse to call upon the One True God, He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the Only One who can truly ease our pain and trouble! Why are we so foolish and stubborn eh? Why we still looking to man for help eh, when we already know that man’s help is both futile and deceitful? And hear how Bruh David continues in that second verse: ‘Lead me to the rock that is higher than I:’ (Ps. 61:2b) 

Mama Yo mih bredrin! That’s where we ought to want to go, and need to go, and should go…to the ROCK that is indeed higher than us…Jesus Christ – the name that’s above every other name, the magnificent personage to whom ALL knees will eventually bow! Wow! 

And why should we look to Jesus you ask? Bruh David states it quite simply and clearly: ‘For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.’ (Ps. 61:3) And consequently, he declares (steups!) ‘I will abide in thy tabernacle (tent) for ever: I will trust in the covert (shelter) of thy wings.  Selah. For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.’ (Ps. 61:4-5) 

Yes friends, we too have the heritage of those who fear and reverence the name of the Lord…even in greater depth than those who went before us, since they never had Jesus sacrifice Himself for them, or His Holy Spirit dwelling in them, so we ought to have even more faith and good character than them! But sadly we don’t, because we don’t truly believe as we should, and are still turning to man and the evil world for too much of our happiness and contentment. 

Please remember all these things that Jesus said nuh. First, this to Thomas who questioned how they could know whither He was going. ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:6) And then to Thomas again, who doubted when his friends told Him they’d seen Jesus after the resurrection. He needed to see the scars in Jesus’ hands and sides before he believed. And eight day later, Jesus showed up again, this time Thomas was with them. 

And it is interesting how Jesus turned to Thomas, as though He came just to convince him. ‘Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side, and be not faithless (unbelieving), but believe. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.’ (John 20:27-28) And the website trusting in Jesus.com tells us: ‘This enlightening statement by Thomas is considered to be among the greatest confessions ever made and is only one of ten “New Testament” passages proclaiming that Jesus is God.’ 

The point of the story though is that Thomas believed because he saw the scars on Jesus’ hands and body. But hear Jesus to him after that. ‘Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.’ (John 20:29) 

Now friends, that points directly to us. We did not personally see Jesus walk on the earth, but we believe that He did, and that all the stuff that’s written about Him is true…at least I hope so. Now the problem with today’s world is that we don’t like to believe something until we see it, thus the saying – seeing is believing. But in Jesus’ economy, it’s all different; you won’t see something until you have the faith to believe it, as they would say, sight unseen! And that is the thing that’s screwing up our lives; we’re not fully believing in Jesus, because we’re listening to all the false, deceitful and misleading stuff that’s being noised abroad in these evil and disbelieving times. 

As Bruh Paul warned Timothy about the coming apostasy (turning away from God): ‘This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be LOVERS of their own selves, covetous (money LOVERS), boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy….’ (2 Tim. 3:1-2) And a whole lot more that you can read on your own. And when you read it, you will undoubtedly believe that this is the time Bruh Paul was referring to, for our world couldn’t get any more evil, wicked and unbelieving than it already is. 

So please, let’s do ourselves and our LOVED ones a great favour and believe nuh, truly believe. In these unheralded and oh so rough, tough and uncertain times, we need to above all else accept that Great Invitation that Jesus offered to all and sundry. ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek and lowly in heart (gentle and humble): and ye shall find rest unto you souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt. 11:28-30) 

Please, please friends, those words were spoken for exactly a time like this. So let’s be wise and accept that wonderful invitation nuh. There’s never been and will never be one as wonderful and inviting and truthful as it. Now let’s go home describing our marvellous position in Christ nuh, through our Wednesday Wail, a position we have achieved by accepting His Great Invitation. 

Altogether 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 furthermore, we do know that if we endure until the end, that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine! Much LOVE!

…believe nuh….only believe…that is all He asks…is it that hard… 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 October 2015 Psalm 57:7

13 Oct 2015 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 57:7.   My heart is fixed (steadfast), O God, my heart is fixed (steadfast): I will sing and give praise.

Well Friends, the Thanksgiving partying is over and done with now! Time to get back to some productive labour. But that doesn’t mean we have to stop giving thanks and praise to Almighty God as individuals.Yesterday was just a day set aside to give thanks as a nation. 

But really, every time we open our eyes to greet a new day, we ought to give thanks to our Creator, for the breath of life that He has imbued in us, because it is a gift of such immense proportions, which ONLY He can give. 

And when we hear the birds singing, and feel the joy their trilling brings, our thanks meter ought to rise up even higher. Then when we enjoy the wonderful mercies and blessings of our heavenly Father throughout the day, and contemplate upon the salvation and eternal life He has provided through His awesome grace and the atoning death of His Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ… 

Oh brother, then our thanks ought to ramp up so high that it breaks the measuring equipment! That just shows we are so grateful for His LOVING-kindness and compassion to us, undeserving though we are. 

So let’s never forget my people, that thanks and praise is an every day, all day attitude of appreciation to the Most High God Jehovah, our wonderful Creator and ever-generous Provider! 

And since today is Tuesday, it’s only appropriate that we give some thanks and praise through our Tuesday Mantra. 

Now as one harmonious body, let’s pray. ‘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 hurry. I don’t have to worry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world.  Amen.’ 

And all of that is ever so true Friends! Once we have the LOVE of God flowing through us, then there is no need to worry or be anxious about ANYTHING! For in wisely taking EVERYTHING to Him in prayer, and casting ALL our cares upon Him, He will unburden us and give us rest and peace like no one else can. And that is even more reason to be generous in our thanks and praise. 

And to show how real our thanks and praise ought to be, just listen to our Bit, taken from Psalm 57 – A Prayer for Deliverance – written when Bruh David fled from his persecutor Saul to a cave in the wilderness. ‘My heart is fixed (steadfast), O God, my heart is fixed (steadfast): I will sing and give praise.’ 

So you see my brethren, even during some of Bruh David’s roughest times he still was wise, steadfast and faithful enough to keep on giving thanks and praise to the God of his fathers. Likewise Friends, our wisdom, steadfastness and faithfulness ought to have us giving thanks to God in ALL situations, be they good or bad, for that’s what Jesus advised. 

The first part of Psalm 57 is filled with Bruh David’s lament and petition to God for succour, while the second half, starting at our Bit, portrays his trust and thanksgiving. 

Listen to Bruh David pour out his heart in praise after our Bit. ‘Awake up, my glory; awake psaltery (lute) and harp: I myself will awake early (will awaken the dawn). I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: 

I will sing unto thee among the nations (gentiles). For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.’ (Ps.57:8-11) 

Oh my fellow believers in Christ, can we give such acknowledgement to Almighty God during our times of adversity? Most of us cannot, but we ought to be able to, according to the level of our faith and maturity in Christ Jesus. 

Sadly, some of us don’t even sing His praises and give Him thanks during our good times, much less in the rough ones. But we must keep seeking to grow in Christ-likeness, until we can give thanks and praise even in the midst of our trials and tribulations. Then and only then will we have attained a strong enough foundation to take us through our earthly problems and tests. 

But please be careful though, that if and when we achieve such a state, we don’t stop and rest on our laurels, but keep on striving, striving with Jesus to win this race of life. 

Oh my people, we can never afford to stop learning, to stop growing in Christ Jesus – not until the day He takes us home – or else we are liable to backslide, and backsliding is one of the worst things a believer can ever do. 

And please note that the verses of Psalm 57, which we have just read, are also the beginning stanzas of Psalm 108 – Israel looks to God for help. 

And the scholars inform us, re ‘Psalm 108. This Psalm is composed of fragments from two other psalms. The first section verses 1-5, is taken from 57:7-11; the second section, verses 6-13, is taken from 60:5-12, with little change in the wording of either fragment. 

Though taken from psalms of individual lament (ch.57) and national lament (ch.60), the present psalm is composed of the most positive sections of confidence in both. The resulting work is a psalm of victory that only briefly alludes to the nation’s lament, namely, their ever-present enemies (vv.12-13).’ 

And we’ll end with last two verses of Psalm 60 – A prayer for help against the foe – and Psalm 108, verses which are ever so appropriate to our current world situation. 

Please pray with me Friends. ‘Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.’ (Ps.108:12-13) 

Yes my people, it is indeed the great God of Hosts who will trample down our enemies! But first we have to repent and come back to Him in all sincerity and truth. Let’s wisely begin doing that today nuh, because that’s our ONLY hope. Much LOVE!

…only through Christ’s LOVE Revolution…can the world be saved…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 October 2014 Psalm 71:20

23 Oct 2014 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 71:20.  Thou, which hast showed me great and sore (severe) troubles, shalt quicken (revive) me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

And then it was Thursday! 

Yes Friends, we’re now rounding the bend that leads into the homestretch of the workweek race! And we’re looking good too…with all the chances in the world of winning the race, so please don’t let up now, but rather let’s bear down to our task, grab the bit in our teeth and charge on down to the finish line, to a successful Friday!
 
Wow! What victory is possible through our great God!
 
Ah Friends, that bit of Horse Racing analogy surely sounds like music to my ears, since I’m no longer involved in that most august pursuit. (smile) Yes, the Lord in His everlasting wisdom saw it fit to take me out, so all I can do is grin and bear it.
 
I wasn’t making any money anyway, just losing more than I could afford. I guess He figured that it would detract me too much from learning and pondering on His Word and His Ways. And since He is the Boss, I had no choice but to follow His leading.
 
And though I miss it some, I must admit that the Lord in His goodness and LOVING-kindness and mercy has since fashioned my life in such a way that I am comfortable with it. All thanks and glory be unto Him!
 
And today we have an interesting Bit… Oh sorry, ALL of them ARE interesting, since they are taken from God’s Word! (smile) Our Bit is taken from Psalm 71 – A prayer for help in old age – the cry of an elderly man, apparently beset and threatened by his enemies.
 
‘Thou, which hast showed me great and sore (severe) troubles, shalt quicken (revive) me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.’
 
And those two statements, which seem like opposite ends of the spectrum, are indeed indisputable truths my people!
 
Our God does allow us to have rough times to stretch and conform us to the likeness of Jesus, but by the same token, He also brings us out of those troubles like a shining star, all cleaned up and ready to proclaim and live His Word with all faithfulness, and will also raise us from the dead when the time is right.
 
As per the first statement: ‘Thou, which hast showed me great and sore (severe) troubles…’ Bruh David addresses it in Psalm 60 – A prayer for help against the foe. He laments thus: ‘O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered (broken) us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again (restore us).
 
Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh. Thou hast showed thy people hard things: thou hast made us to drink the wine of astonishment (staggering).
 
Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee (have a reverential awe for thee), that it may be displayed because of the truth.  Selah. That thy BELOVED may be delivered; save with thy right hand, and hear me.’ (Ps.60:1-5)
 
Truly hurting words my brethren! But then, like the elderly gentleman in our Bit, who is sure that the Lord ‘…shalt quicken (revive) me again, and shalt bring me up from the depths of the earth,’ Bruh David declares the certainty of being heard by the Lord and foresees in his petition, certain victory through the powerful machinations of the Lord his God.
 
‘God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete (measure out) the valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength (helmet) of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver; Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe: Philistia, triumph thou because of me.
 
Who will bring me into the strong city? Who will lead me into Edom? Wilt not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? And thou, O God, which didst not go out with our armies? Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.’ (Ps.60:6-12)
 
Yes my fellow believers, though our God puts us through our paces on the potter’s wheel, we end up being beautiful works of art in His powerful craftsman’s hands!
 
As the psalmist continues after our Bit: ‘Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.’ (Ps.71:21)
 
Oh my brethren, what a great proclamation of faith and trust in Almighty God! I certainly hope we can all declare such a strong and faithful statement too.
 
Therefore, he declares: ‘I will also praise thee with the psaltery (lute or lyre), even thy truth (faithfulness), O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.
 
My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed. My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.’ (Ps.71:22-24)
 
Ah mih breddren, when we walk consistently with God over a fairly long period of time, we do see His awesome majesty and undying faithfulness! So though troubles may overwhelm us, yet we are sure that in the end He will work it all out for our good, because that’s His avowed intention and faithful promise to us.
 
And we’ll close with these memorable and moving words from Hosea – Israel’s reply to God’s admonition – that so eloquently describe the seeming dichotomy that exists in our God.
 
‘Come and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten (stricken), and he will bind (bandage) us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.
 
Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord (let us pursue the knowledge of God): his going forth is prepared (established) as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.’ (Hos.6:1-3)
 
Oh my people, there is no greater wisdom than that in all the earth! Please, let’s embrace it, and thus return to serving and worshipping Jehovah God, for it is Him, and Him alone that has the power to bind and heal us of all our sinful wounds! Much LOVE!
 
…though he slay me…yet will I trust in him… (Job 13:15A)

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 October 2014 Psalm 22:11

10 Oct 2014 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 22:11.    Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.

Wow Friends, it’s Friday! And there was lots of jumping and jiving and shouting: ‘TGIF! Thank God It’s Friday! Glory Hallelujah! The workweek soon finish, and party time start, especially on this upcoming long weekend of Thanksgiving! Mama Mia!

What a grand ole time we’re going to have; giving thanks and singing praises to our heavenly Father, for all that’s He’s so kindly done for us this past year!’
 
Yes my people, this is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada and there will be mucho mucho celebrations all across this great land, from the coasts of the Atlantic on the east, across the vast Prairies in the middle, over the mighty Rocky Mountains to British Columbia on the coast of the Pacific out west!
 
Please remember that one caution though of Granny’s: ‘drunk or sober mind yuh business.’ In all our giving of thanks, let’s not give, or allow the loathsome enemy even one toehold, one reason to infiltrate our godly spirits and make us stumble before Almighty God.
 
And to keep us somewhat in remembrance of that, let’s chant our Friday Chant with sincere passion and enthusiasm, which will hopefully lead to a fair amount of circumspection. (smile) All together now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through.
 
Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’
 
Now with that caution invoked, let’s turn to an interesting quote from Ashley Montague (1905- 1999) the British / American anthropologist and humanist, born Israel Ehrenberg in London, England, but who later migrated to the U.S, became a citizen and lectured at many of its famous universities.
 
Ashley says that ‘Every human being is a problem in search of a solution.’ And that’s the living truth Friends!
 
We all need help in many areas of our lives, but oftimes we’re too proud or scared to ask for it, afraid either of the changes that will be involved, especially since change is something many of us are very wary of. Though the old way may be troublesome, we still feel more comfortable with it, because we know it, and hold the supposed new and better way suspect since it’s unknown.
 
On the other hand, we’re sometimes too proud to let others know that we’re hurting and need help, that we’re actually less than we seem to be. But my brethren, it’s quite all right, in fact very natural and very wise to ask for help, and to consider change if it will either help solve or completely resolve our problems. 
 
And the best person to turn to for help is obviously Jesus Christ, our be all and end all, the great Helper, Healer, Friend and Redeemer! Remember His Great Invitation too; to come to Him when we are weary and burdened, and He will lighten our load and give us rest. (Matt.11:29-30)
 
And in his cry of anguish and song of praise, Psalm 22, Bruh David highlights the situation very well, when he cries out to Almighty God in our Bit: Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.’
 
And that is oh so true my people, for as Bruh David says later on in Psalm 60 – a prayer for help against the foe: ‘Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.’ (Ps.60:11)
 
That’s also indisputable truth, since man’s help is often insufficient, not forthcoming, or deceptive and deceitful! Just think about all the fraudulent acts being committed in these difficult times in the name of help!
 
And Bruh David ends that psalm with these thoughtful and faithful words. ‘Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.’ (Ps.60:12)
 
Yes Friends, in this vast and controversial universe, it is only Jehovah God that we can put our entire trust in, and know for a fact that He will help us. Bruh David did it, and we see the most excellent results he achieved, although his life was not always the most upright and righteous. But he implicitly trusted the God of his fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, whom he knew to be ALWAYS FAITHFUL!
 
Remember the old hymn we sung recently: ‘What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry EVERYTHING to God in prayer!’ That’s the wisest move we can ever make my people!
 
The problem though is that with our busy lives in this busy society, we want answers and help immediately, now for now, sometimes even yesterday. But unfortunately when we go to Jesus, according to the nature of the problem, and the motives of our heart, we’ll probably not receive an immediate answer, or one that we don’t like.
 
But Friends, I can personally testify to the fact that if we take our problems to our Lord and Saviour, He will help us, in His own time and His own way! We just need to be patient, show the faith we’re supposed to have. And if the problem is genuine and requires immediate solving, fear not, He will do so.
 
That’s one thing about God’s timing, my brethren; it is perfect! He is NEVER LATE!
 
But the truth is, waiting patiently is not always easy, for even though I know that from personal experience, I still sometimes get anxious when His help doesn’t seem to be forthcoming in time. But NOT ONCE has He ever showed up late, ALWAYS on time! He is the supreme example of a just in time system!
 
And to encapsulate all that we’ve spoken of, (smile) let’s end with these true, beautiful and encouraging words from Psalm 33 – Praise to the Lord for His creation.
 
‘A horse is a vain thing (false hope) for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
 
Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our HELP and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.’ (Ps.33:17-22)
 
Yes my people, as we hope in the Lord, so will His mercy and blessings be showered down upon us! Much LOVE!
 
…trust in the Lord with all thine heart…and lean not unto thine own understanding… (Prov.3:5) 
 
P.S. Oh Friends, I truly don’t know why the Bit is so late nuh, because I got up at a reasonable hour. I guess it was just my running around aimlessly, being a slow-coach, and/or trying to find the right info to use. (smile) But as always, with our great God, it works out perfectly, for His glory, every time! Much LOVE!

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 August 2014 Psalm 60:12

26 Aug 2014 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 60:12.    Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.
 

Oh Friends, it’s triumphant Tuesday! Meaning we have triumphed over Monday, and are setting out to do the same to Tuesday under the ever-watchful and mighty presence of our omnipotent and LOVING Deity, Jehovah God!

And all God’s children declared a loud and joyful shout: ‘All praise and glory be to Almighty God for bringing us safely through another dark night into the bright and scintillating light of His Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Everlasting thanks to the One who selflessly sacrificed His sinless life so that we could be reconciled to the Father!’
 
Yes my fellow believers, we shall be eternally grateful to Jesus for that! So on this triumphant Tuesday in the last week of August 2014, where it’s somewhat cloudy in my area, let’s go out and show our appreciation by living a godly and righteous life nuh, showing our true colours through examples, not merely words. A life that will bring glory to our merciful and forgiving God.
 
Let’s do as Jesus desires; be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. As He humbly requested: ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ (Matt.5:16)
 
Yes my people, we can do no better than that, in this dark and evil world. Now here’s a gentle reminder and appropriate encouragement for a cloudy day like today. I’ve shared it before, but it’s always helpful to bear it in mind.
 
‘So never let a cloudy day ruin your sunshine, for even if you can’t see it, the sunshine is still there, inside of you, ready to shine when you will let it.’
 
What an awesome truth my brethren! Those are words from a poem of Amy Michelle Pitzele, written when she was nine years old. Wisdom indeed from the mouths of babes!
 
So just remember that even if there is some darkness or cloudiness in our personal lives today, and we can’t see any light, please don’t despair, because the light of both the Sun and the Son are ALWAYS with us, though the clouds of life might hide them for a brief moment.
 
We have to learn to see the light through the eyes of faith. And our Bit today, taken from Psalm 60, a contemplation of Bruh David when he was embattled, surrounded by foes on all sides, also reminds us of the omnipotence of our most wonderful God.
 
Bruh David was absolutely sure of these words when he wrote them. ‘Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.’
 
That’s indisputable, gospel truth my believing brethren! A truth that we should keep ALWAYS before us, as a guiding light to our earthly walk of faith and LOVE!
 
And in the words of the false, or wishy-washy prophet Balaam, foretelling the happiness of Israel, which he saw in a God-induced trance, though with open eyes: ‘I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners (shatter the forehead) of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth (sons of tumult).
 
And Edom shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly (mightily). Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion (shall rule), and shall destroy him that remaineth in the city.’ (Num.24:17-19)
 
And the scholars tell us: ‘Primarily these oracles (of Balaam) refer to the royal triumphs in the period of the early monarchy, but these victories prefigure the greater conquest of Christ at His first and second advents (comings).
 
A Star: this can be used metaphorically for a king (Rev.22:16). That a king is meant is confirmed by a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, a scepter being part of the royal insignia (Gen.49:10; Ps.45:6; Amos 1:5,8).
 
Shall smite the corners of Moab: The word ‘corners’ is best understood as “the head” or “skull” (Jer.48:45 and Samaritan Pentateuch). The king of Israel would conquer the neighbouring countries, Moab, Sheth (most likely Shut), Edom, Seir, Amalek, and the Kenites (vv.20-21).’
 
Likewise, the prophet Samuel saw it fulfilled when he wrote: ‘And David gat him (made himself) a name when he returned from smiting of (killing) the Syrians (Edomites) in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men. And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David’s servants.
 
And the Lord preserved David withersoever he went. And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgement and justice unto all his people.’ (2 Sam.8:13-15)
 
And the scholars give us an interesting note here. ‘8:13. Because in Hebrew the ‘d’ (dalet) and the ‘r’ (resh) looked very much alike, they were often mistaken for one another. Probably Edomites rather than Syrians (i.e. Edom rather than Aram) should be read here, as in 1 Chronicles 18:12 and the title of Psalm 60.’
 
That does seem to make sense, since in the verses following, it’s Edom and Edomites that Samuel refers to. Anyway my people, please note and deeply believe that we serve a just, upright and faithful God, in whom we can place ALL our trust, and surrender ourselves completely to Him, because He IS the Creator and Controller of the universe.
 
Please don’t ever doubt it and thus allow your faith to fail you, for even in the darkest hours, He is ALWAYS right beside us… even better, dwelling inside of us, guiding and helping us through the power of His Holy Spirit.
 
So child of God, DON’T EVER despair of God’s presence in your life, for He has promised NEVER to leave or forsake you, and He who has promised is indeed FAITHFULL!
 
So please walk bold and strong in the awesome power of His LOVING-kindness this fateful Tuesday morning. That’s the hallmark of a true and faithful believer! Much LOVE!
 
…darkness foolishly tries to overpower light…but if it ever does…it’s only for a fleeting moment…because light is stronger than darkness…and will always overpower it eventually…
 
P.S. Ah Friends, it was just one of those late nights that turned into a late morning. (smile) Please accept my many mea culpas. Much LOVE!